Power adapter and method of implementing a power adapter to provide power to a load

ABSTRACT

A power adapter configured to provide power to a load is described. The power adapter comprises a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element configured to receive power and a second contact element adapted to be coupled to a load; and a surface adapted to receive a control attachment and comprising a second plurality of contact elements; wherein a third contact element of the second plurality of contact elements is configured to receive power by way of the first contact element of the first plurality of contact elements; and wherein power is applied to a load by way of the second contact element of the first plurality of contact elements.

PRIORITY CLAIM

Applicant claims priority to U.S. Application 62/869,002, filed on Jun.30, 2019, U.S. Application 62/877,784 filed on Jul. 23, 2019, and U.S.application Ser. No. 16/560,545 filed on Sep. 4, 2019, the entireapplications of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to poweradapters, and methods of implementing power adapters and controlattachments.

BACKGROUND

Power adapters, such as switches which control the application of powerto a load (e.g. a light or other appliance for example), are animportant part of any residential or commercial building, and canprovide beneficial control of a load attached to the power adapter, suchas timing control, motion detection, and dimming for example. As poweradapters continue to advance, additional functionality may be availableto a user. However, replacing a power adapter can come with significantexpense. In addition to the cost of the replacement power adapter, itmay be necessary to pay for the professional installation of thereplacement power adapter, such as in the case of an in-wall installedpower adapter that is coupled to wires in a wall of a building, such asa residential building or a commercial building. For many homeowners whoattempt to replace a power adapter rather than have an electricianreplace the power adapter, the homeowner may face a risk of shock orother bodily harm during the installation process, or improperly installa power adapter that may pose a risk to a user of the power adapter inthe future.

In the case of new construction, and particularly a new residentialconstruction, a purchaser (or a builder in the case of a home that isbuilt without input from a purchaser of the home) may not know where thedifferent types of power adapters should be initially placed. Further,it may not be until after living in the home for a period of time that ahomeowner may have a better idea where certain types of power adaptersshould be placed. The homeowner would then have to change some poweradapters, and therefore incur additional time and effort (or incuradditional time and cost if the homeowner relies upon an electrician) tochange the power adapters. Such a need to change power adapters may beparticularly frustrating for the homeowner, who, having spent money inthe purchase of the new home and spent considerable time during theplanning and move-in process, may now have to spend additional money andtime to fix a problem. That is, a homeowner may not appreciate theadditional cost and time to make improvements to a home that they mayhave already invested considerable money and time in planning. While thehomeowner may decide to delay any changes of power adapters in theirhome to avoid the additional cost and time, such a delay may lead todissatisfaction with their homebuilder or the purchase of their newhome.

Accordingly, circuits, devices, arrangements and methods that enable auser such as a homeowner or other building owner to easily andefficiently implement different power adapters are beneficial.

SUMMARY

A power adapter configured to provide power to a load is described. Thepower adapter comprises a first plurality of contact elements comprisinga first contact element configured to receive power and a second contactelement adapted to be coupled to a load; and a surface adapted toreceive a control attachment and comprising a second plurality ofcontact elements; wherein a third contact element of the secondplurality of contact elements is configured to receive power by way ofthe first contact element of the first plurality of contact elements;and wherein power is applied to a load by way of the second contactelement of the first plurality of contact elements.

According to another implementation, a power adapter configured toprovide power to a load comprises a first plurality of contact elementsexposed on an outer surface of the power adapter, the first plurality ofcontact elements comprising a first contact element configured toreceive power and a second contact element configured to provide powerto a load; and a recess comprising a second plurality of contactelements and adapted to receive a control attachment; wherein a thirdcontact element of the second plurality of contact elements isconfigured to receive power from the first contact element of the firstplurality of contact elements and a fourth contact element of the secondplurality of contact elements is configured to receive power by way ofthe control attachment; and wherein power is applied to a load by way ofthe second contact element of the first plurality of contact elements.

A method of configuring a power adapter to provide power to a load isalso described. The method comprises configuring a first contact elementof a first plurality of contact elements to receive power and a secondcontact element adapted to be coupled to a load; providing a surfaceadapted to receive a control attachment, wherein the surface comprises asecond plurality of contact elements; configuring a third contactelement of the second plurality of contact elements to receive powerfrom the first contact element of the first plurality of contactelements; and configuring a fourth contact element of the secondplurality of contact elements to receive power from the controlattachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement having a basiccontrol attachment;

FIG. 2 is another block diagram of a power adapter arrangement having acontrol attachment with additional features;

FIG. 3 is another block diagram of a power adapter arrangement havingdimming functionality;

FIG. 4 is another block diagram of a power adapter arrangement havingdimming functionality and a control attachment with additional features;

FIG. 5 is another block diagram of a power adapter arrangement havingdimming functionality and a control attachment with both dimmingcapability and an interface for transmitting or receiving communicationsignals;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a dimmer control circuit that may beimplemented in a power adapter or in a control attachment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an interface between a power adapter and acontrol attachment;

FIG. 8 is another block diagram of an interface between a power adapterhaving a dimmer control circuit and a control attachment.

FIG. 9 is another block diagram of an interface between a power adapterand a control attachment having a dimmer control circuit.

FIG. 10 is another block diagram of an interface between a power adapterand a control attachment having a wireless connection.

FIG. 11 is an example of a switch configuration enabling a connection byshorting contacts of a connector of a power adapter.

FIG. 12 is block diagram of a data block having a plurality of fieldsenabling the transfer of signals between a power adapter and a controlattachment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a method of enabling the control of apower adapter using a control attachment.

FIG. 14 is an example of a signal transfer protocol for transferringsignals between a power adapter and a control attachment.

FIG. 15 is a front and side view of a power adapter;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the power adapter of FIG. 15 takenat lines 16-16;

FIG. 17 is a front and side view of a control attachment having aportion that extends through recess of a wall plate and a portionincluding attachment elements that are located behind the wall plate;

FIG. 18 is a front and side view of a control attachment that extendsthrough recess of a wall plate, where the attachment elements areaccessible when the wall plate is attached to the power adapter or thecontrol attachment;

FIG. 19 is a side view of a control attachment having a movable toggleelement;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the control attachment of FIG. 19 having themovable toggle element in a first position;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the control attachment of FIG. 19 having themovable toggle element in a second position;

FIG. 22 is a front and side view of a power adapter having a singletoggle actuator and an optional dimmer control element;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the power adapter of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side view of a control attachment that may be implementedwith the power adapter of FIG. 22 and having a toggle element in a firststate;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the control attachment of FIG. 24 where thetoggle element is a second state;

FIG. 26 is a front and side view of a control attachment having a hingedtoggle element;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the control attachment of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a front and side view of the control attachment of FIG. 26with the hinged toggle element in an open position and exposing acontrol module and optional user interfaces;

FIG. 29 is a front and side view of the control attachment of FIG. 26with the control module of FIG. 28 removed;

FIG. 30 is another front and side view of the control attachment of FIG.26 with the control module of FIG. 28 removed;

FIG. 31 is a front and side view of a control module that could beimplemented in the control attachment of FIG. 26;

FIG. 32 is a front and side view of a control attachment having acontrol module that is accessible through a recess in a toggle element,such as a hinged toggle element;

FIG. 33 is a side view of the control attachment of FIG. 32 having atoggle element in a closed position;

FIG. 34 is a front and side view of the control attachment of FIG. 32having the toggle element in an open position;

FIG. 35 is a front and side view of the toggle element of FIG. 32 thatmay be removed;

FIG. 36 is a view of an attachment element of the control attachmentwhich is adapted to receive corresponding attachment element of thetoggle element of FIG. 32;

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing an example of circuit elements andinterface elements that could be implemented in the power adapter 102and control attachment 104;

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a control element adapted to control both alight and a fan;

FIG. 39 is an arrangement of a power adapter and a control attachmenthaving a power switch;

FIG. 40 is a front and side view of the power adapter 3902 of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the power adapter 3902 taken atlines 41;

FIG. 42 is a side view of a control attachment that could be coupled tothe power adapter 3902 of FIG. 39;

FIG. 43 is a flow chart showing a method of enabling a wiring faultdetection;

FIG. 44 is a block diagram of an expanded view of elements of an in-wallpower adapter and control attachment that is adapted to be installed ina junction box and to receive a wall plate;

FIG. 45 is a front view of the arrangement of FIG. 44 when combined;

FIG. 46 is another front view of the arrangement of FIG. 44 whencombined and showing an intermediate wall plate for receiving the wallplate;

FIG. 47 is a side view of a portion of attachment elements of a poweradapter and a corresponding control attachment that may be locatedbehind a wall plate, where the attachment element of the power adaptedis on a back wall of the power adapter;

FIG. 48 is another side view of a portion of attachment elements of apower adapter and a corresponding control attachment that may be locatedbehind a wall plate, where the attachment element of the power adaptedis on a side wall of the power adapter;

FIG. 49 is a side view of a portion of attachment elements of a poweradapter and a corresponding control attachment that may be accessiblethrough a recess in a wall plate;

FIG. 50 is a rear view of a control attachment;

FIG. 51 is a front view of a control attachment having a toggle elementand a dimmer control element;

FIG. 52 is a front view of a control attachment having a toggle element,a microphone and a speaker;

FIG. 53 is another front view of a control attachment having a toggleelement and a dimmer control element;

FIG. 54 is a front view of a control attachment having a toggle elementand a motion detector;

FIG. 55 is a front view of a control attachment having a toggle elementand a display;

FIG. 56 is a front plan view of a control attachment having dedicated onand off switches and a sensor element that may be removable;

FIG. 57 is a side view of the control attachment of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a front and side view of the control attachment of FIG. 56;

FIG. 59 is a front and side view of the control attachment of FIG. 56without the removable sensor element to show contact the elements in arecess;

FIG. 60 is a rear view of the removable sensor element showing contactelements;

FIG. 61 is a front and side view of a control attachment having aremovable screen;

FIG. 62 is a front and side view of a control attachment having aremovable screen exposing a camera that is movable within a receivingelement and shown directed to the left;

FIG. 63 is a front and side view of a control attachment having aremovable screen of FIG. 62 showing the camera directed to the right;

FIG. 64 is a front inside view of a control attachment having a movablescreen to enable controlling a direction of a sensor, such as a camera,by moving the screen;

FIG. 65 is a diagram of a control attachment having contact elements forelectrically connecting contacts of an electrical interface;

FIG. 66 is a diagram showing an inner surface of a rear housing of thecontrol attachment of FIG. 65;

FIG. 67 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement using acontrol attachment according to the implementation of FIG. 65;

FIG. 68 is a diagram of another control attachment having a switch andan electrical interface;

FIG. 69 is a diagram showing an inner surface of a rear housing of thecontrol attachment of 68;

FIG. 70 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement using acontrol attachment according to the implementation of FIG. 68;

FIG. 71 is a diagram of another control attachment having an actuatorelement;

FIG. 72 is a diagram showing an inner surface of a rear housing of thecontrol attachment of 71;

FIG. 73 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement using acontrol attachment according to the implementation of FIG. 71;

FIG. 74 is a diagram of a control attachment having two actuatorelements;

FIG. 75 is a diagram showing an inner surface of a rear housing of thecontrol attachment of 74;

FIG. 76 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement using acontrol attachment according to the implementation of FIG. 74;

FIG. 77 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement showing anexample of an interface circuit;

FIG. 78 is a flow diagram showing a method of implementing a poweradapter arrangement having a single toggle switch;

FIG. 79 is another block diagram of a power adapter arrangement showingan example of an interface circuit;

FIG. 80 is a flow diagram showing a method of implementing a poweradapter arrangement having two toggle switches;

FIG. 81 is a diagram showing an example of a control attachment adaptedto receive a control module;

FIG. 82 is a diagram showing an inner surface of a rear housing of thecontrol attachment of FIG. 81;

FIG. 83 is a block diagram of a circuit for testing the connectionsassociated with a power adapter;

FIG. 84 is another block diagram of a circuit for testing theconnections associated with a power adapter;

FIG. 85 is a block diagram of a system having a plurality of poweradapters implementing different communication protocols;

FIG. 86 is directed to a method of controlling a power adapter toprovide power a load;

FIG. 87 is directed to a method of controlling the application of powerto a load using a control attachment;

FIG. 88 is a block diagram of a power adapter having a removable powerswitching module;

FIG. 89 is a block diagram showing the removable power switching moduleremoved from the power adapter;

FIG. 90 is a block diagram a power adapter arrangement having a poweradapter and a control attachment comprising one or more outlets;

FIG. 91 is a front and side view of the power adapter of FIG. 89;

FIG. 92 is a side view of the power adapter of FIG. 88;

FIG. 93 is a side view of the control attachment of FIG. 88;

FIG. 94 is a front view of the control attachment of FIG. 88;

FIG. 95 is a front view of the control attachment of FIG. 88 accordingto another implementation;

FIG. 96 is a front view of the control attachment of FIG. 88 accordingto another implementation;

FIG. 97 is a front view of the control attachment of FIG. 88 accordingto another implementation;

FIG. 98 is a block diagram a power adapter arrangement having a poweradapter and a control attachment comprising one or more outletsaccording to another implementation;

FIG. 99 is front view of the power adapter arrangement of FIG. 96according to one implementation;

FIG. 100 is a front and side view of the power adapter arrangement ofFIG. 97 showing a module removed from a recess of the controlattachment;

FIG. 101 is a block diagram of a power adapter having outlets and arecess for receiving a control attachment adapted to provide switchingfor power applied to a load;

FIG. 102 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement having apower adapter arrangement of FIG. 101 and a control attachment having aconnector arrangement for routing power received from the power adapterback to the power adapter;

FIG. 103 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement having apower adapter arrangement of FIG. 101 and a control attachment having acontrol circuit for routing power received from the power adapter backto the power adapter;

FIG. 104 is a perspective view of a power adapter arrangement comprisinga power adapter having an outlet and a control attachment adapted to bereceived by the outlet;

FIG. 105 is a perspective view of another power adapter arrangementcomprising a power adapter having an outlet and a control attachmentadapted to be received by the power adapter;

FIG. 106 is a rear view of the power adapter arrangement of FIG. 105showing an electrical interface comprising a plug;

FIG. 107 is a block diagram of a power adapter having a switchcontrollable by a control attachment to control the routing of powerreceived from the power adapter back to the power adapter;

FIG. 108 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement comprising apower adapter and a switch, where the power adapter has a switchcontrollable by a control attachment to control the routing of powerreceived from the power adapter back to the power adapter;

FIG. 109 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement having apower adapter and a control attachment configured to control twooutlets;

FIG. 110 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement having acontrol attachment including a signal interface circuit;

FIG. 111 is a block diagram of a power adapter having a switch forcontrolling the application of power to an outlet;

FIG. 112 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement comprisingthe power adapter of FIG. 111 having a switch for controlling theapplication of power to an outlet;

FIG. 113 is a flow chart showing a method of implementing a poweradapter arrangement;

FIG. 114 is a front view of a power adapter showing a recess between apair of outlets adapted to receive a control attachment;

FIG. 115 is a front view of another power adapter showing a recessbetween a pair of outlets adapted to receive a control attachment;

FIG. 116 is a perspective view of a control attachment according to oneimplementation;

FIG. 117 is a front view of an electrical interface having insulatingelements between openings for receiving contact elements of a controlattachment and contact elements of the power adapter;

FIG. 118 is a front view of the electrical interface of FIG. 117 showingan arrangement of insulating elements covering contact elements of thepower adapter;

FIG. 119 is a front view of the electrical interface of FIG. 117 showingan arrangement of insulating elements of FIG. 118 having connectorelements of the control attachment positioned between portions of theinsulating elements;

FIG. 120 is a front view of a power adapter having a door arrangement ina closed arrangement;

FIG. 121 is a front view of the power adapter of FIG. 120 having thedoor arrangement in an open position;

FIG. 122 is a cross-sectional view of the power adapter of FIG. 120;

FIG. 123 is a cross-sectional view of the power adapter of FIG. 120 asshown in FIG. 122 having a control attachment in a first position;

FIG. 124 is a cross-sectional view of the power adapter of FIG. 120 asshown in FIG. 122 having a control attachment in a second position;

FIG. 125 is a cross-sectional view of the power adapter of FIG. 120 asshown in FIG. 122 having a control attachment in a third position;

FIG. 126 is a diagram showing a power adapter arrangement having anoutlet that is controllable using 2 wireless communication protocol;

FIG. 127 is a block diagram of a power adapter having a control switchand a recess for receiving a control attachment;

FIG. 128 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement comprisingthe power adapter of FIG. 27 and having a control attachment;

FIG. 129 is a block diagram of a power adapter having a control switchand enable switches adapted to be coupled to actuator elements of acontrol attachment;

FIG. 130 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement comprisingthe power adapter of FIG. 129 and a control attachment;

FIG. 131 is a block diagram of a power adapter having a switch and userinterface elements;

FIG. 132 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement having thepower adapter of FIG. 131 and a control attachment;

FIG. 133 is a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement having thepower adapter of FIG. 131 adapted to receive a removable user interfacemodule and a control attachment;

FIG. 134 is a perspective view of power adapter assembly adapted toreceive a removable user interface module and a control attachment;

FIG. 135 is a block diagram showing the configuration of 2 power adapterarrangements configured in a 3-way switching arrangement to control aload;

FIG. 136 is a front view of a power adapter arrangement having a toggleelement and a dimmer control element associated with the power adapter;

FIG. 137 is a front view of a power adapter arrangement having a toggleelement associated with the power adapter and a dimmer control elementassociated with a control attachment;

FIG. 138 is a front view of another power adapter arrangement having atoggle element associated with the power adapter and a dimmer controlelement associated with a control attachment;

FIG. 139 is a front view of another power adapter arrangement having atoggle element associated with the power adapter and a capacitive dimmercontrol element having a dimming level display associated with a controlattachment;

FIG. 140 is a front view of another power adapter arrangement having atoggle element and a dimmer control element associated with the poweradapter;

FIG. 141 is another front view of a power adapter arrangement having atoggle element associated with the power adapter and a dimmer controlelement associated with a control attachment;

FIG. 142 is a front view of a power adapter arrangement having amulti-element control switch associated with the power adapter;

FIG. 143 is a block diagram a power adapter arrangement having a poweradapter configured to authenticate a control attachment;

FIG. 144 is a flow chart showing a method of implementing a poweradapter arrangement having a control attachment;

FIG. 145 is a flow chart showing a method of implementing a poweradapter configured to receive a control attachment; and

FIG. 146 is a flow chart showing a method of configuring a controlattachment adapted to receive power from a power adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The power adapter arrangements, power adapters, control attachments,circuits, systems and methods set forth below provide a simple andefficient way for a building owner, building manager, or homeowner, toeasily change the functionality of an electrical switch without havingto replace the entire switch and, more importantly, without having torun the risk of making contact to a high voltage power line or highvoltage power contact of an electrical system of the building, forexample by connecting wires of the electrical system (e.g. from ajunction box) to the power adapter. By selectively distributing elementsbetween a power adapter and a control attachment of a power adapterarrangement, builders and purchasers of buildings (including residentialhome purchasers for example) can easily and efficiently design andconstruct a building with a fully operating electrical system havingswitches installed, and easily and efficiently change features of poweradapter arrangements by simply changing a control attachment for some orall of the power adapter arrangements installed in the building. A poweradapter arrangement having a power adapter that is configured to receivea control attachment as set forth below not only allows for changes ormodifications to the configurations of power adapter arrangements aftera building is constructed, but it also allows for easy updates to poweradapter arrangements as technology changes and improved or differentcontrol attachments are available.

According to some implementations, power adapters having a powerswitching function are provided that enable the use of different controlattachments having a range of functionalities, including basic controlattachments that have limited functionality and more advance controlattachments having different levels of functionality and differentfeatures. As will be described in more detail below, a common interfacebetween a power adapter and all control attachments could be used. Forexample, the common interface could be adapted to receive both basiccontrol signals, such as on/off control signals or dimmer controlsignals that are generated in response to a manual operation of a user(e.g. pressing a toggle element of control attachment_, and electricalsignals generated by a circuit of the control attachment which may beindependent of input of the user (e.g. on and off commands associatedwith a timer feature having a schedule for turning on or off powerapplied to a load controlled by the control attachment or an on commandfrom a motion detector). A basic control attachment may use only aportion of the common interface, and the more advanced controlattachments may use another portion of the common interface, where theportions may or may not overlap. According to some implementations, afirst interface (e.g. a mechanical switch or a simple contactarrangement of a power adapter that is shorted by a contact element ofthe control attachment) could be provided for basic controls signalsgenerated in response to manual user input on a user interface of thecontrol attachment, and may be separate from a second interface, whichmay be adapted to receive more advanced signals, such as timing schedulesignals associated with a timing pattern (i.e. at least one on time oroff time for applying power to a device controlled by the power adapterarrangement according to a schedule, which may be based uponpredetermined days or may be periodic (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly oryearly) which may be received by way of a wireless connection to awireless control circuit of the control attachment or a control signalgenerated by a motion detector of the control attachment.

According to other implementations, a power switching function may beimplemented in a control attachment, which provides flexibility infunctions of the power adapter arrangement. For example, a simpleron/off switching arrangement could be provided using a relay in thecontrol attachment, or a more advanced switching arrangement could beprovided by using a TRIAC or other circuit to enable dimmingfunctionality in the control attachment. That is, by placing a powerswitch, which enables the routing of power to a load in the controlattachment, it is possible to provide a power adapter arrangement withor without dimming capabilities by providing a control attachment havinga TRIAC or just a relay for performing power switching. As will bedescribed in more detail below, many different variations of safe andflexible power adapter arrangements can be implemented. While a varietyof embodiments of each of the power adapter and the control attachmenthaving different levels of functionality and features are shown, itshould be understood that various features and functionality could beinterchanged between the different embodiments.

A description of example embodiments is provided on the following pages.The text and figures are provided solely as examples to aid the readerin understanding the invention. They are not intended and are not to beconstrued as limiting the scope of this invention in any manner.Although certain embodiments and examples have been provided, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosures hereinthat changes in the embodiments and examples shown may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention. It will be understood thatwhen an element is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively)“coupled with/to,” another element, it can be connected directly with/tothe other element directly or coupled to the other element via a thirdelement.

According to various implementations, a power adapter may be configuredto provide power to a load. The power adapter may comprise a firstplurality of contact elements comprising a first contact elementconfigured to receive power and a second contact element configured toprovide power to a load; a receiving element configured to receive acontrol attachment; a first interface comprising a second plurality ofcontact elements configured to provide one or more reference voltages tothe control attachment, wherein the first interface comprises anelectrical interface; and a second interface comprising a switchconfigured to control power applied to a load in response to anactuation of the control attachment.

Control attachments may also be implemented. For example, a controlattachment adapted to control the application of power to a load maycomprise a toggle element on the control attachment, wherein the toggleelement is movable in response to a manual actuation associated with thecontrol attachment; a first interface comprising an actuator elementconfigured to make contact with a power adapter, wherein the actuatorelement is adapted to engage with a switch of the power adapter inresponse to the manual actuation; and an attachment element adapted toattach the control attachment to the power adapter; wherein a manualactuation of the toggle element enables controlling the power applied tothe load by the power adapter. It should be understood that the controlattachments may be implemented with the power adapter as describedbelow.

FIGS. 1-5 show implementations of a power adapter arrangement 100 havingpower switching capability (e.g. a relay or a circuit having a controlterminal to enable dimming, such as a triode for alternating current(TRIAC) in the power adapter). According to some implementations, it maybe desirable to provide reduced functionality of a power adapter, whichis a device that receives a source of power, such as a reference voltageand selectively routes the power to a load based upon a control signal,such as a control signal associated with a timing pattern or in responseto a sensor or some other external input. The power adapter implementsselected switching function (e.g. basic on/off switching or on/offswitching with dimmer control), and implements additional controlfunctionality according to signals from a control attachment, which isremovably attached to the power adapter. By reducing the complexity of apower adapter to include the power switching capability, and byproviding additional control functionality or other functionality in thecontrol attachment, the power adapters can be widely andcost-effectively implemented in new construction, such as in new homeconstruction, with control attachments that may be initially installedhaving limited functionality.

Some or all of the control attachments having limited functionality canbe easily replaced with more advance control attachments after an ownerof the new construction has an opportunity to evaluate the power controlneeds of the new home, such as determining where a timer, motiondetector or smart speaker may be beneficial. That is, a builder canefficiently (i.e. by installing a single type of power adapter at alllocations where a switch is to be installed) and cost effectively (i.e.by installing a power adapter with a basic control attachment at alllocations except certain locations where additional functionality may bebelieved to be needed) build a new home having a fully functionalelectrical system with little or no input (or even inaccurate input)from a purchaser of the new home. Such a use of power adapterarrangements as set forth in more detail below allows the owner of thenew home (and future owners) to easily and cost effectively make changesto the electrical system of the home by simply changing the controlattachments where necessary.

As will be described in more detail below, a control interface between apower adapter and a control attachment may be configured to accept abasic control attachment having limited functionality such as on/offfunctionality or on/off functionality with dimmer capability, and alsoaccept a more advanced control attachment having more advanced functionssuch the ability to send control signals associated with a timingschedule received at the control attachment using a wireless controlcircuit or control signals from a sensor, such as a motion detector, tothe power adapter. By way of example, a power adapter arrangement havinga basic control attachment attached thereto may function in a similarmanner to a conventional switch having on/off capability or on/off anddimmer capability. However, it the owner determines that additionalfunctionality may be useful, the owner would only need to change thecontrol attachment to have the desired additional functionality, such astimer functionality or motion detection functionality for example. Whilereference is made to power control needs, where an owner may evaluatethe needs to control power applied to a load attached to the powerattachment, it should be understood that control attachments may havefunctionality beyond controlling the load attached to a power adapter.For example, the control attachment may enable functions separate fromcontrolling the load, such as a camera function, information orentertainment functions (a microphone and speaker for providing requestsfor information and receiving audible feedback, such as in a smartspeaker), sensor functions (e.g. temperature or humidity sensors forhome automation), wired or wireless networking functions (e.g. WiFirouter, WiFi node of a WiFi mesh arrangement, or Bluetooth node of aBluetooth mesh arrangement), or other any other functions of anattachment that may or may not require power from the power adapter.

Turning first to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement100 having a power adapter 102 coupled to a control attachment 104comprising a basic control attachment is shown. FIG. 1 shows a controlinterface configured to receive a signal by way of an actuator inresponse to user input. According to the implementation of FIG. 1, avery basic control attachment and a power adapter having a relay isdisclosed. As will be described in more detail below, power adaptershaving more functionality, such as dimming functionality, and controlattachments having more functionality, such as wireless communicationfunctionality can be implemented.

According to the implementation of FIG. 1, the power adapter arrangement100 comprises a power adapter 102 and the control attachment 104. Thepower adapter comprises a plurality of contact elements, often callterminals or inputs and outputs, that are adapted to make electricalconnections to electrical wires in a junction box. More particularly,the power adapter 102 comprises a power control circuit 105 adapted toreceive one or more reference voltages, such as a power voltage receivedat a power input 106 and a neutral voltage received at a neutral input108. By way of example, the power voltage could be an electrical signalapproximately 120 volts or 220 volts, depending upon the electricalsystem that is being used in the region. The power adapter may bedesigned to operate with a specific reference voltage, such as 120 voltsor 220 volts. A ground voltage coupled to a ground input 107 and aneutral voltage coupled to a neutral input 108 are also provided. Theuse of neutral and ground terminals will be described in more detailbelow. A 3-way connection terminal 109, also known as a travelerconnection, may also be provided. The 3-way terminal enables the user ofthe power adapter arrangement in a 3-way connection, where two differentswitches can be used as toggle switches for a single load, as is wellknown. The power control circuit 105 controls the application of a powersignal outside of the power adapter arrangement to a load 110, which maybe any device receiving power such as a light or appliance, at a loadterminal 112, which may be a contact element adapted to be coupled to awire in an electrical wiring arrangement that provides power to theload. It should be understood that the power signal generated at theload terminal 112 may be different that the power signal applied to thepower adapter at the power input 106, such as due to voltage regulation(i.e. generate a signal having a known voltage and which may be filteredto eliminate spurious elements.) or dimming control for example.

There are generally three wires currently used in electrical wiring,including a live wire (i.e. the wire for providing power to a load, alsocalled the hot wire), a neutral wire (i.e. are return path for the livewire), and a ground wire. While some older construction may only have 2wires (e.g. there is only a live wire and a ground wire, where theground wire is used as the return path for the live wire), mostelectrical outlets and switches in new construction include both aneutral connection and a ground connection, where 120 volt power iscarried to homes through these two wires, and the live wire is the wirecarrying current while neutral wire is the wire that completes thereturn path under normal conditions. Without the neutral wire, currentcannot flow, and the neutral wire is always assumed to be charged hi anactive circuit. The neutral wire is coupled to ground (by grounding theneutral wire to a ground connection at the switching box for thebuilding for example) to make the terminal of neutral wire at zeropotential.

A ground wire (also called earth in some countries) is a wire that isready to take all the current into the ground in case of a mishap, suchas a high current generated in an appliance. Both neutral and groundwires are for the safety of the building, wiring system, appliances andhuman beings. The ground wire is assumed to be at zero potential whilethe potential of neutral depends upon an imbalance between the wires.Ground is therefore universal reference which is always taken to be zeropotential. Neutral is provided by the power company to make the path ofelectricity closed. The ground wire on the other hand, prevents anyelectrocution to humans in the case of a mishap, where a ground wire isrun throughout electric wiring and is buried the earth (e.g. 10-15 feet)adjacent to the house or below it.

A ground represents an electrical path, normally designed to carry faultcurrent when an insulation breakdown occurs within electrical equipment.For example, breakdowns can be forced by connecting a metal tool orconductive material from a voltage potential to the steel structurewithin a facility. Connections to the electrical path (Ground) are madeconvenient for the installation of electrical equipment. Some straycurrent will always flow through the ground path. This current will comefrom a number of normal sources. Capacitive coupling and inductivecoupling between power conductors and the ground path (conductiveconduit, conductive structure members, etc.) are the greatest sources ofground path current.

While the power adapter arrangement may be wired in different ways in acircuit to apply power to a load, it should be understood that thevarious terminals for power, ground, neutral, and 3-way terminals areprovided by way of example, and that the power adapter arrangement isconfigured to provide power to a load, such as by providing a path forcurrent to flow through the load, in response to a control signal whichmay be directly (e.g. by a user actuation of a switch by interactingwith a control attachment) or indirectly (e.g. a remote wirelessoperation or a stored timing program stored in one of the power adapteror the control attachment as will be described in more detail below)provided to the power adapter arrangement. For example, a power voltagemay be coupled to a light that is controlled by the switch if the poweradapter or the power voltage may be coupled to the switch, dependingupon how the power adapter arrangement is installed. In either case, theswitch provides a current path that may be controlled to allow the powerto be applied to the light. In order to control the application of powerprovided to the load (e.g. the application of a voltage to a loadterminal to allow the flow of current through the load), the powercontrol circuit 105 of the power adapter 102 comprises a switch (whichmay be a relay or a TRIAC for example as described in more detail below)that enables the application of power from the electrical system to theload in response to a signal from the control attachment 104.

A switch, such as a relay or TRIAC for example, as implemented in apower adapter arrangement may provide switching functionality, e.g.turning on/off power to a load (e.g. a light or appliance). The switchmay control a connection of a system at a voltage derived from the powersupply that powers the power adapter arrangement and apply a voltage toa load. Accordingly, a switch may be powered from and/or control anelectrical circuit at any commonly used voltage for controlling loads,such as 110V/120V, 220V/230V/240V, 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 5 A, 6 A, 10 A, 13 A,15 A, alternating current (AC) for example, which are generallyconsidered high voltage systems for example. It should be understoodthat the power signal (i.e. based upon a certain voltage or current)applied to the load may be different than the power signal provided to aterminal of the power adapter from the junction box, such as due to adimming control function.

The power adapter 102 comprises a signal interface circuit 114 coupledto a control interface circuit 115. The control interface circuit 115 isadapted to generate a power control signal based upon one or moreactuation signals generated by the control attachment, where the powercontrol signal enables power to be applied to the load. For example, anactuation signal may be a signal based upon a manual actuation of anactuator element of the control attachment or a signal generated by acircuit of the control attachment and provided the power adapter by wayof an electrical interface, where the power control signals may comprisea toggle signal (i.e. an on or off signal) or a dimmer control signal.It should be understood that the control circuit 115 enables independentoperation of the actuator element and a signal generated by a circuit ofthe control attachment and provided the power adapter by way of anelectrical interface, allowing for different types of control signals tobe provided to the power adapter.

The control interface circuit 115 may comprise a detector 116 and acontrol circuit 118. The signal interface circuit 114 is adapted to becoupled to a corresponding signal interface circuit 120 of the controlattachment 104, and comprises a plurality of signal coupling elements,which may be elements that enable the transfer of electrical signals andreference voltages, including low power reference voltages. Moreparticularly, the signal interface circuit 114 comprises a signalcoupling element 122 coupled to a corresponding signal coupling element124 of the signal interface circuit 120. Another signal coupling element126 is shown as a part of the signal interface circuit 114, but is notused in the implementation of the power adapter arrangement 100 ofFIG. 1. That is, other control attachments 104 may be configured toprovide a signal to the signal coupling element 126, as will bedescribed in more detail in reference to FIG. 2. While coupling elementsof the power adapter are shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood thatonly some coupling elements of the power adapter are shown, and that thepower adapter may comprise additional coupling elements to provideinterfaces for more advanced control attachments as will be described inmore detail below.

The control attachment 104 comprises an actuator 130. That is adapted toreceive a user input by way of a user interface input 132. As will bedescribed in more detail below, the user interface input 132 maycomprise any type of interface for providing an input to the actuator130 which generates a control signal to the signal coupling element 124.The user interface input 132 may comprise a toggle switch for example.While paddle-type toggle switches are described in some examples below,it should be understood that any type of toggle switch could beemployed. Also, the actuator 130 may comprise any time of signalactuator for generating a control signal in response to user input atthe user interface input 132, and may comprise a mechanical actuator, anelectrical actuator, or an electro-mechanical actuator for example, asdescribed in more detail below.

For example, in a mechanical application of the signal interfacecircuits 114 and 120, the actuator 130 may be configured to receive anactuation at the user interface input 132, such as the movement of atoggle switch, which may cause a movable element of the signal couplingelement 124 to engage a corresponding movable element of the signalcoupling element 122, as described in more detail by way of example inreference to FIGS. 81-82. The engagement of the movable element of thesignal coupling element 124 and the corresponding movable element of thesignal coupling element 122 may be detected by the detector. That is,the signal coupling elements 122 and 124 may facilitate the transfer ofan actuation of a toggle switch detected at the user interface input 132to the detector 116, where the detector 116 may be an electro-mechanicalswitch (e.g. a device that comprises a mechanical element that receivesan input, such as a button which, when depressed, generates anelectrical signal).

In electromechanical application of the signal interface circuits 114and 120, the signal coupling element 122 may comprise anelectromechanical switch and the signal coupling element 124 maycomprise a movable element that moves in response to an actuation at theuser interface input 132 to depress a button of the signal couplingelement 122 (implemented as an electromechanical switch). In anelectrical application of the signal interface circuits 114 and 120,each of the signal coupling elements 122 and 124 comprise electricalelements, which may be contact elements the enable the transmission ofan electrical signal such as described in reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

The control interface circuit 115 may comprises a detector 116 coupledto receive a control signal by way of the signal coupling element 122 inresponse to an actuator signal at the user interface input 132. Thedetector may comprise a mechanical, electromechanical, or electricalelement for detecting a signal from the actuator 130, where theimplementation of the detector may depend upon the particularimplementation of the actuator 130 and the signal coupling elements 122and 124. For example, if the signal coupling element 124 is a mechanicalelement, such as a movable element adapted to engage a button of thedetector or an opening in the control attachment enabling an actuatorelement (e.g. a projection) to engage a switch of the power adapterthrough the opening, the detector may comprise a switch having a buttonthat is moveable in response to the movement of the actuator element andgenerate an electrical signal coupled to at least one of the controlcircuit 118 and the power control circuit 105. If an electrical signalis generated by the signal coupling element 122, the detector maycomprise an electrical circuit configured to detect the electricalsignal and provide the electrical signal to at least one of the controlcircuit 118 and the power control circuit 105.

The control interface circuit 115 further comprises a control circuit118 having a decoder circuit 119. The control circuit 118 is coupled tothe signal coupling element 126 that is configured to provide controlsignals from a control attachment. While the control attachmentaccording to the implementation of FIG. 1 is a basic control attachmentthat comprises an on/off actuator, other control attachments can beimplemented that provide control signals, such as control signalsreceived from a remote device, such as a smart phone, or dimmer controlsignals, as will be described in more detail below. The decoder circuitmay not only be used to decode signals, but also to determine whetherthe control attached is an authorized control attachment that caninterface with the power adapter. Because the distribution of highvoltage electrical power signals in a residential or commercial buildingis dangerous, it is necessary to ensure that the control attachment isauthorized to communicate with and control the power adapter and/or thatthe power adapter is authorized to receive signals from the controlattachment.

While the control interface of FIG. 1 is shown by way of example ashaving a separate detector and control circuit, it should be understoodthat the detector could be implemented as a part of the control circuit118, which may be a processor as will be described in more detail below.That is, the function of the detector and the function of the decodermay be implemented by a processor in response to signals detected by theprocessor. Similarly, while the decoder is shown as a part of thecontrol circuit, the decoder could be implemented separate from thecontrol circuit.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control attachment 104 is a basic controlattachment, and signals are only sent to the power adapter from theactuator 130. Therefore, it is not necessary that the decoder determineswhether the control attachment is an authorized control attachment, butrather the power adapter is configured to operate with a controlattachment that controls in on/off feature of the power adapterarrangement by way of a given control signal interface, such as acontrol signal interface requiring a physical actuation associated withthe user interface input (e.g. the pressing of a toggle element of thecontrol attachment). As will be described in more detail below, the useof switches having buttons that may be actuated by a movable element ofthe control attachment enable a control attachment having no electroniccircuits that may interface with a portion of a control signal interface(e.g. signal interface circuit 120) transmitting electrical signals.Such an arrangement is beneficial to enable a cost-efficient poweradapter arrangement 100. That is, the control attachment 104 can be madeprimarily or completely of plastic, and have housings that may beadapted to be used with different types of control attachments (i.e.control attachments having basic functionality or control attachmentshaving more advanced functionality). Further, such an arrangementenables a power adapter to be functional for providing at least on/offfunctionality when the control attachment is not attached to the poweradapter. Therefore, a builder would be able to install power adaptersthroughout a building, and be able to use the power adapters without itcontrol attachment before an owner or occupier of the building decidedwhat types of control attachments to use at different locations of thebuilding. That is, a power adapter may comprise one or more buttons toenable toggling of power to a load, where the user would be able totoggle the power to the load without a control attachment (i.e. by justpressing one or more switches that are exposed on the power adapter whenthe control attachment is not attached to the power adapter), or withthe control attachment attached to the power adapter, as will bedescribed in more detail below.

Signals from the signal interface circuit 114 may be processed by thecontrol interface circuit 115 and provided to the power control circuit105 to control the application of power to a load. For example, a signalfrom the detector (in response to an actuation by the actuator 130) maybe provided by way of a signal line 134 to a switch 135, shown here byway of example as a relay and often referred to as a power switch, tocontrol the application of power to the load. The switch may compriseany device that enables current to flow in a path including the load toprovide power to the load, where the switch may comprise a path ofcontrollable conductivity that conducts current from the power input tothe load in response to a signal from the detector.

While the control attachment 104 of the implementation of FIG. 1comprises a basic control attachment only having an actuator forenabling the on/off operation of the power control circuit, othercontrol attachments may provide other control signals to the controlcircuit, where the control signals may be used to control theapplication of power to the load by way of a signal line 136 or may beused to identify the control attachment, as will be described in moredetail below. The detector 116 may also be coupled to the controlcircuit 118 by way of a signal line 138, where the control circuit mayprovide signals to the power control circuit 105 by way of the signalline 136. That is, the detector 116 and the control circuit 118 mayindependently provide signals to the power control circuit 105, or thecontrol circuit 118 may provide signals to the power control circuit 105based upon a detected actuation of actuator 130 or control signals froma control attachment 104 having other circuits for providing additionalfeatures (e.g. on and off signals or dimming signals), as will bedescribed in more detail below.

The control attachment 104 is removably attached to the power adapter.The power adapter may comprise a receiving element for interfacing withcontrol attachment. The receiving element may be a surface of the poweradapter that is configured to abut a portion of the control attachment,shown generally in FIG. 1 as the dashed line between the power adapterand the control attachment. As will be described in more detail below,the receiving element may comprise interface elements, including contactelements, electrical connectors and electro-mechanical interfaces (suchas one or more switches for example), and attachment elements forenabling a control attachment to be attached to a power adapter.

According to some implementations, the receiving element may comprise aplanar surface having contact elements that are configured to makeelectrical contacts with corresponding contact elements of the controlattachment as will be described in more detail below. According to someimplementations, the power adapter may comprise a recess for receivingthe control attachment, where contacts elements of the power adapter maybe on a wall of the recess for example. The recess may also help withalign the power adapter and the control attachment. Attachment elementsmay be implemented on the receiving element of the power adapter, suchas in the case where the receiving element comprises a recess.Attachment elements may also be provided on the receiving element oranother element of the power adapter (e.g. flanges of the power adapterthat are used to attach the power adapter to a junction box) when thereceiving element comprises a planar surface. Examples of a receivingelement are described in more detail in reference to FIG. 44, whichdescribes both a recess and a planar surface acting as a receivingelement of a power adapter.

FIGS. 2-5 show different implementations of both the power adapter 102and the control attachment 104. For example, according to someimplementations of the power adapter 102, dimming functionality may beprovided. Different control attachments are also shown in FIGS. 2-5,where the control signals provided to the power adapter 102 may beprovided by different types of signal interface circuits 114 and 120.

Turning now to FIG. 2, another block diagram of a power adapterarrangement 200 having a control attachment with additional features isshown. According to the implementation of FIG. 2, an additionalinterface is provided for receiving control signals. In addition to theactuator 130, the control attachment 104 comprises an interface circuit202, which may comprise a communication interface circuit, configured totransmit and/or receive communication signals by way of a communicationinterface 204. The communication signals may be provided directly to thecommunication interface 204 or indirectly, such as by a wirelessconnection or a wired connection. The signal interface circuit 120 alsocomprises a signal coupling element 206 that is adapted communicatesignals with signal coupling element 126. According to someimplementations, the signal coupling elements 126 and 206 could becontact elements, where one may be a contact pad and another may be apogo pin for example, that are adapted to provide control signals to thecontrol circuit 118. The interface circuit 202 may also comprise afeedback circuit 208 that is adapted to provide feedback signals by wayof a feedback interface 210.

The feedback signal interface 210 could be any type of interface thatprovides a user of the power adapter arrangement with a feedback signalassociated with the operation or status of the power adapter arrangementgenerated by the feedback circuit 208. For example, the feedbackinterface could be any type of interface, including an audio interfaceand/or visual interface. As will be described in more detail below inreference to FIGS. 50-64, the interface element may comprise one or moreof speakers, microphones, display elements, lighting elements such aslight emitting diodes (LEDs), sensors providing audio or visual feedback(e.g. a camera having an LED indicating that the camera is on), ortactile feedback elements.

According to the implementation of FIG. 2, the decoder circuit 119 canbe used to authenticate the control attachment to ensure that thecontrol attachment is an authorized control attachment. For example, theinterface circuit 202 of the control attachment and the control circuit118 can exchange signals to ensure that the control attachment is anauthorized control attachment. The signals may include a variety ofinformation that would enable the power adapter to not only identify thecontrol attachment, such as by a serial number or some other uniqueidentifier, but also information that would indicate the type of controlattachment (e.g. Information that could indicate the available featuresor functions of the control attachment). If the control attachment isnot an authorized control attachment, the power adapter may only allowthe operation of the control attachment based upon manual actuations ofan actuator in response to manual user interface input, such as manualactuations of the actuator 130 (e.g. a pressing of a movable elementsuch as a toggle element of the control attachment). That is, the poweradapter arrangement 200 will work with an unauthorized controlattachment, but only based upon manual input detected by the controlattachment.

According to some implementations, authentication could be achieved by ashared secret key authentication, where both the power adapter and thecontrol attachment have a shared key that is used to exchangeinformation to authenticate the power adapter. In cryptography, a sharedsecret key is a piece of data such as a random number, known only to theparties involved, in a secure communication. The shared secret key wouldbe pre-shared (i.e. stored in a memory of both the power adapter and thecontrol attachment. The shared secret can be fed to a key derivationfunction to produce one or more keys to use for encryption of messages.To make unique communication link between the power adapter and thecontrol attachment and unique message keys, the shared secret key may becombined with the unique ID. While shared secret key is provided as oneexample of an authentication technique for authorizing a control moduleto operate with a power adapter, it should be understood that any typeof authentication could be used.

Such a feature would prevent a power adapter from being used improperly,such as being “hijacked” and controlled by an unauthorized user of thepower adapter arrangement. Because improper control of power by a poweradapter arrangement may lead to an unsafe environment associated withthe power adapter arrangement, it is beneficial to ensure that thecontrol attachment is authorized. Because the control attachment coulddetermine how power is applied to the load by the power adapter, it isbeneficial if the control attachment controls the power in a safemanner, consistent with the operation of the power adapter. That is, thepower adapter and the controller attachment are designed to operatesafely with one another. An unauthorized control attachment may controlthe application of power to the load in a way that is not safe. Forexample, a fast toggling of a switch of the power adapter providingpower to a load may lead to in unsafe electrical situation, which maycause an overheating of the power adapter or the load that may lead to afire. Further, a low quality control attachment that is not anauthorized control attachment may fail, resulting in power being appliedto a load at a time or for a duration when it may be unsafe to apply thepower. For example, an unauthorized control attachment may be used tocontrol the application of power to a slow cooker, where the failure toturn off power to the slow cooker may result in and overheating of theslow cooker and a fire. Further, as will be described in more detailbelow, a user of a control attachment according to variousimplementations may be alerted when a control attachment is notoperating properly or is defective. Therefore, it is beneficial toensure that any control attachment would operate safely, according tospecifications of the power adapter arrangement or a particular use ofthe power adapter arrangement, and that the control attachment is anauthorized control attachment that has been determined to operate safelywith the power adapter.

Additional implementations may allow for dimming control of a load, suchas the dimming of power level applied to a light for example. Accordingto the implementation of FIG. 3 showing another block diagram of a poweradapter arrangement 300, a power adapter is implemented having a dimmercontrol circuit, and a second actuator is provided in the controlattachment that enables dimming control. More particularly, an actuator302 that is responsive to a user input at a user interface input 304enables a user to manually control an amount of power applied to a load,such as a dimming of a light representing the load. A signal couplingelement 306 of the signal interface 114 and a corresponding signalcoupling element 308 of the signal interface circuit 120 are adapted tocommunicate signals from the control attachment to the power adapter inresponse to an actuation of the actuator 302.

The signal coupling elements 306 and 308 may comprise an electrical,mechanical, or electro-mechanical Interface. For example, the actuatormay be a movable element that enables the generation of a voltage thatis used for controlling the power applied to the load (i.e. a dimmingfunctionality). And this will be described in more detail below, thevoltage for a dimming functionality may be generated at the controlattachment or at the power adapter. For example, a resistor dividernetwork may be implemented in the control attachment, where the voltagegenerated by the resistor divider network may be provided to the poweradapter by an electrical interface comprising signal coupling elements306 and 308. According to another implementation, the signal couplingelements 306 and 308 may comprise a mechanical interface, where amovable element on the control attachment will align with and enable themovement of a corresponding movable element on the power adapter, wherea movement of the movable element on the power adapter will generate thevariable voltage (e.g. a voltage generated by a resistor divider) thatmay be used for dimming control. Also shown any implementation of FIG.3, a dimmer control circuit 310, which may comprise a TRIAC circuit forexample, is implemented in place of or in addition to the switch 135.That is, the TRIAC may be implemented to control dimming and blockcurrent applied to the load (i.e. turn off the load), or a separaterelay may be used in addition to the TRIAC to block current applied tothe load and turn off the load).

According to the implementation of FIG. 3, it is not necessary that thecontrol attachment be authenticated. Rather, the control attachment 104of FIG. 3 is similar to the control attachment 104 of FIG. 2, where itprovides limited control of the power adapter (i.e. on/off control anddimmer control). As his apparent from the implementation of FIG. 3, boththe on/off control and the dimmer control be provided by a lowtechnology control attachment, where the control attachment maycompletely or substantially comprise plastic components and have littleor no electrical components, enabling a low-cost control attachment. Forexample, when the dimmer control voltage is provided the controlattachment, a simple resistor divider receiving a power signal (i.e. thelow power signal provided from power adapter to the control attachment)and the ground signal (or neutral signal) can be used to provide adimmer control voltage. Such an arrangement would enable a low costcontrol attachment (which may be based upon the control attachmentproviding basic on/off functionality and modified to include theresistor divider. As will be described in more detail in reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, dimmer functionality may be provided, but it may also berequired that the control attachment is an authorized controlattachment.

As shown in the block diagram of a power adapter arrangement 400 of FIG.4, dimming functionality can be provided in a control attachment thatmay include additional control features and may require authentication,as generally described above and will be described in more detail below.According to the implementation of FIG. 4, a power adapter having adimmer control circuit, and the control attachment comprises aninterface that enables wireless control. Rather than an actuator thatmay generate a dimmer control signal in response to a user input (e.g.by way of a movable element on the control attachment), the interfacecircuit 202 is configured to provide dimmer control signals, where thedimmer control signals may be a part of or associated with communicationsignals provided by way of the communication interface 204. Therefore,the control circuit 118 will provide dimmer control signals by way ofthe signal line 136 to the dimmer control circuit 310 in response tosignals received from the interface circuit 202. Further, because theycontrol attachment communicates by way of the signal coupling element126 and corresponding signal coupling element 206, enabling the transferof electrical signals, the power adapter may authenticate the controlattachment. Therefore, in addition to generating a dimming voltagesignal, the communication interface may generate signals enabling theauthentication of the control attachment.

Turning now to FIG. 5, another block diagram of a power adapterarrangement having dimming functionality and a control attachment withboth dimming capability and an interface for transmitting or receivingcommunication signals is shown. According to the implementation of FIG.5, the control attachment that enables dimmer control and wirelesscontrol, where the dimmer control may be either a manual dimming controlprovided by way the user interface input 304 or by way of dimmer controlsignals (e.g. electrical control signals) generated by the interfacecircuit 202. As will be described in more detail below, the controlcircuit 118 may control the dimming in response to either control inputsprovided by way of a user actuation or by way of the interface circuit202.

According to power adapter arrangement as shown in FIG. 5, the dimmercontrol functionality based upon the user interface input 304 may be anelectrical interface, such as a capacitive coupling interface that isresponsive to the touch of a user. That is, rather than a mechanical ormovable element enabling diming control, where the location of themovable element would correspond to a level of dimming, the actuator 312may be an electrical interface, where the level of dimming may be shownby lighting elements (e.g. LED lights) that can be change by thecommunication interface in response to changes to dimming controldetected by the communication interface. For example, a user may changethe dimmer control level associated with the load using a user interfaceinput 304 (such as a capacitive coupling element that would change thedimming level (which level would be indicated by an LED of a pluralityof vertically arranged LEDs providing an indication level)) and usingthe interface circuit 202 that may receiving dimmer control informationfrom an external device such as a smart phone.

By providing both electrical control (e.g. a capacitive couplinginterface) and an electrical signal feedback (e.g. the use of LEDlights) associated with dimming, it is possible to easily changes theelectrical signal feedback in response to a change in the dimming levelusing either manual user input or the interface circuit 202. While it ispossible to change the position of a mechanical switch associated with adimming level for the power adapter arrangement, providing an electricalsignal to control the dimming level and a visual feedback using LEDs forexample, it is easy to enable a changing of the dimming level inresponse to both a mechanical or electro-mechanical actuator and acommunication circuit that may receiving dimmer control signals basedupon communication signals, such as wireless communication signals forexample. That is, unlike a mechanical dimmer control element (i.e.movable element), the use of an electrical control element (i.e.capacitive coupling to detect a desired level), a dimming level can beboth selected and display on the control attachment.

Further, the power adapter and the control attachment may communicate toenable the proper operation of a load controlled by the power adapter.For example, a control circuit of the power adapter may detect the typeof device controlled by the power adapter, such as the type of lightbulb (e.g. incandescent, halogen, LED, or CFL), or the number of wattsthat the bulb or other device draws, and therefore enables a controlcircuit of the control attachment to provide different control signalsto the switching module to control the amount of power applied to thelight bulb (such as a dimmable light bulb). That is, in addition to animplementation where the power adapter acts as a passive device, andonly receives control signals from a control circuit of the controlattachment, the power adapter and the control attachment could implementa bidirectional communication link according to another implementationto enable the control attachment to understand information received bythe power adapter and better control the device controlled by the poweradapter. Alternatively, the control module can detect the type orqualities of the light bulb by way of the electrical interfaces of thepower adapter and the control attachment.

The range of current, voltage, or duty cycle of the voltage applied tothe bulb (depending upon the type of dimmer used) could depend upon thetype of bulb used. According to some implementations, the controlattachment could provide a dimming control signal based upon thedetected bulb, and apply a current, voltage or duty cycle of a voltageto the bulb over a range that will provide the correct dimming for thebulb. While the power adapter may be configured to provide a wide rangeof output power (e.g. a range of power that would power a 1 watt LEDbulb or a 150 Watt incandescent bulb), the control attachment maycontrol the range of dimming based upon at least one of the current, thevoltage, or the duty cycle of the voltage applied to the bulb receivingpower.

It should be understood that both the magnitude of the range and thelocation of the range for a given bulb in the overall range could beprovided by the power adapter. For example, an incandescent bulb may beadapted to receive a voltage in a range of approximately 5 volts to 120volts, while a LED light may be adapted to receive a voltage in a rangefrom approximately 1 to 5 volts. As can be seen, not only do the rangesfor the incandescent bulb and the range for the LED bulb have adifferent magnitude, but the ranges cover different portions of theoverall voltage range provided by the power adapter (i.e. 1-120 volts).While the examples of ranges provided relate to voltage ranges, theranges could be set for different bulbs according to other criteria,such as current or duty cycle of the voltage.

According to one implementation, the control of a dimming controlcircuit of the power adapter arrangement could be based upon the signalprovided to the dimmer control circuit of the power adapter, where thedimmer control circuit of the power adapter would be adapted to providea wide range of power to any type of bulb. In response to detecting aparticular type of bulb, a dimming control signal would be generated ina range of dimming control signals associated with the detected type ofbulb.

By way of example, the dimming circuit of a power adapter may beconfigured to receive a dimming code having a value between 1 and 120,where a dimming code of 1 received by the dimming control circuit wouldresult in 1 volt output provided to the load and a code of 120 wouldresult in a 120 volt output provided to the load. Therefore, if aparticular LED bulb is detected that would receive between 1 and 5 volts(i.e. the dimming range of the LED bulb), then the selection of a dimmercontroller on the power adapter would generate a code between 1 and 5 inresponse to the movement of the dimmer controller through the fullrange. For example, for a dimmer controller 1526 that is movablevertically over a predetermined range in the guide 1524, the dimmercontrol circuit of the power adapter would apply a voltage to the loadin a range of 1-5 volts if the detected bulb is an LED bulb, but wouldapply a voltage in a range from 5-120 volts of the detected bulb is anincandescent bulb.

Similarly, for a power adapter that receives a dimmer control value byway of an electrical interface (e.g. a dimmer control voltage V_(dim)generated based upon voltage divider circuit or a capacitive couplingcircuit of the control attachment), the control attachment would providea control signal to the control circuit of the power adapter that wouldapply a voltage to the load in a range of 1-5 volts if the detected bulbin an LED bulb and would apply a voltage in a range from 5-125 volts ofthe detected bulb is an incandescent bulb.

While the power adapter arrangements of FIGS. 1-5 are provided by way ofexample, it should be understood that various other configurations maybe implemented within the spirit and scope of the invention. The poweradapter arrangements of FIGS. 1-5 provide examples of differentinterfaces (e.g. multiple interfaces including different types ofinterfaces) that may provide different level of access (e.g. amechanical switch that provides access to control on/off functionalityof the power adapter for any control attachment or an electricalinterface for controlling advanced features, such as providing dimmercontrol). Additional information and examples related to different typesof interfaces that could be implemented in signal interface 114 and 120are provided below.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a block diagram of a dimmer control circuit thatmay be implemented in a power adapter or in a control attachment isshown. The dimmer control circuit of FIG. 6 receives power from a powersource 602, such as an AC current source, coupled between a load 604 anda reference voltage, shown here by way of example as a neutral voltage.The load 604 is coupled to the dimmer circuit 310 by way of a switch606. A path of current (I) through a dimmer control circuit, shown byway of example as a TRIAC 608, and a resistor 610 is provided to theneutral node. A control terminal 609 of the TRIAC receives a controlvoltage based upon a resistor setting of a variable resistor 612. Thatis, the variable resistor 612 can be adjusted by a user to control thecurrent in the TRIAC, and therefore provide a dimming function for theload, such as a dimming function for a light for example. A firingcapacitor 614 may be provided between the control terminal 609 at thevariable resistor 612 and the neutral terminal. An interferencecapacitor 616 may also be provided in parallel with the current paththrough the TRIAC. While FIG. 6 is provided as one example of providingdimming control and employs a TRIAC, it should be understood that othercircuits could be used for providing a dimming function, and the circuitof FIG. 6 is one example of a dimmer control circuit. Other circuitdevices could be used for providing a dimming function, such as asilicon controlled rectifier (SCR) for example.

FIGS. 7-11 provide examples of different types of interfaces that mayinclude multiple types of elements that provide signals between acontrol attachment and power adapter, such as in signal interfacecircuits 114 and 120. By providing different types of elements thattransmit signals, it is possible to provide different controlattachments, including basic control attachments and advanced controlattachments. Turning first to FIG. 7, a block diagram of an interfacebetween a power adapter and a control attachment is shown. Theimplementation of FIG. 7 shows two manual switches, such as an on/offswitch and a dimmer switch, and a connector arrangement for transmittingelectrical signals, such as by way of contact elements. According to theimplementation of FIG. 7, the dimmer control circuit is provided in thepower adapter, and controlled by a movable element on the controlattachment. As shown in FIG. 7, the pair of signal coupling elements 122and 124 are configured as a mechanical on/off switch comprising a switchelement 702 having a movable portion 704 associated with the poweradapter and a switch actuator element 706 associated with the controlattachment. The switch such as the switch element 702 located at aninterface between the power adapter and the control attachment and thatis accessible by a user or the control attachment on a surface of thepower adapter may be considered an interface switch.

The pair of signal coupling elements 306 and 308 comprise a dimmercontrol interface 708 coupled to a dimmer control element 710. By way ofexample, the dimmer control interface 708 may comprise an element thatenables the interfacing of a dimmer control element 710 of the controlattachment, which is movable, with a moveable element 712 of the poweradapter, which may comprise a variable resistor for or resistor dividercircuit creating a dimmer control voltage. The dimmer control interface708 may comprise an aperture or guide to enable the dimmer controlelement 710 of the control attachment to engage the movable element 712,so that a movement of the movable element 708 will cause a movement ofthe movable element 712. The movable element 712 could comprise avariable resistor or voltage divider circuit to generate a dimmercontrol (Dimmer) voltage.

In addition to the two mechanical interfaces associated with on/offfunctionality and dimmer functionality, pairs of contact elements, shownby way of example as signal coupling elements 126 and 206, enable thetransfer of electrical signals, which may be low power electricalsignals (e.g. approximately 5 volts, but in a range of approximately0-24 volts). Input and output signals are provided to and from contactelements of an electrical interface 713 enabling the transfer ofelectrical signals between the control attachment and the power adapter.The electrical interface comprises contact elements for both the poweradapter and the control attachment that make electrical contact when thepower adapter is attached to the control attachment. According to someimplementations, the electrical interface may be a connector forexample.

Contact elements 714 of the control attachment are adapted to make anelectrical connections to corresponding contact elements 716 of thepower adapter for each of the pairs of contact elements as shown. Forexample, the contact elements 714 could be pogo pins adapted to make anelectrical connection to corresponding contact pads 716 of the poweradapter, or vice versa. The contact elements could be any type ofcontact elements to enable the transfer of electrical signals. Accordingto some implementations, the electrical interface 713 may comprises apair of contact blocks having contact elements, where the contact blockscan be implements as needed and based upon the number of contactelements needed to transfer electrical signals, as will be described inmore detail below. For example, a contact block may comprise a plasticmodule (to provide electrical isolation between the contacts) that maybe snapped into to a retaining element for the contact block, where acontact block having different numbers of contact elements may beselected. The electrical interface 713 may comprise contact elementsthat make contact for an electrical connection as a result of thecontrol attachment being attached to the power adapter, or may comprisecontact elements that are secured to one another, such as by a frictionfit as a part of a connector or using attachment elements associatedwith the two components of the connector. For example, correspondingcontact elements may comprise a female receptacle adapted to receive amale contact prong, as a part of a connector or as stand-alone contactelements associated with the control attachment and the power adapter.

Examples of signals provided to or transferred between the power adapterand the control attachment are also shown in FIG. 7. For example, thetop three pairs of contact elements 714 and 716 provide referencevoltages from the power adapter to the control attachment. Threereference voltages are shown by way of example, including a powervoltage (shown here by way of example as a low power (LP) referencevoltage), a ground reference voltage, and a neutral reference voltage,where the ground and neutral voltage may have a voltage corresponding tothe ground and neutral voltage provided to the power adapter asdescribed above. While the reference voltages may not be used for abasic control actuator having only on/off functionality (because thereis no need for a power reference voltage in the control attachment) or adimmer control functionality (in the case where no electrical signal isgenerated by the control attachment such as in FIG. 7 where a dimmercontrol signal is generated in the power adapter), they may still bemade available to any control attachment, in may be used by a controlattachment that requires power. Both basic control attachments and moreadvanced control of attachments may require power. For example, as willbe described in more detail below in reference to FIG. 8, a basicattachment having a dimmer control function may require that a dimmercontrol voltage is generated by the control attachment. Therefore, atleast power and ground (or neutral) would be necessary to generate areference voltage using a variable resistor for example in the controlattachment, where the reference voltage is then provided to the poweradapter.

Turning now to FIG. 8, another block diagram of an interface between apower adapter having a dimmer control circuit and a control attachmentis shown. The implementation of FIG. 8 also shows two manual switchesand a connector arrangement for transmitting signals, but the dimmercontrol circuit is provided in the control attachment, and the dimmercontrol signal is provided from the control attachment to the poweradapter by way of the electrical interface 713. As shown in FIG. 8, adimmer control circuit 802 is provided on the control attachment toprovide a dimmer control signal to the contact element 714 of theelectrical interface 713. According to the implementation of FIG. 8, thecontrol attachment would require power and ground voltages from thepower adapter.

Turning now to FIG. 9, another block diagram of an interface between apower adapter and a control attachment having a dimmer control circuitis shown, where all of the signals are transmitted by an electricalsignal through one or more contacts of a connector 904. That is, as withthe dimmer control circuit 802, an on/off switch actuator 902 isconfigured to generate a voltage (e.g. a logical “0” for off and alogical “1” for on) that is transmitted by a pair of contact elements ofthe connector 904.

As further shown in FIGS. 7-9, control signals may be communicatedbetween the power adapter and the control attachment by way of theelectrical interface 713. For example, 2 control signals are provided byway of 2 sets of corresponding contact elements 714 and 716 from thepower adapter to the control attachment (shown by way of example belowthe contact elements for providing reference voltages from the poweradapter to the control attachment). 2 additional pairs of correspondingcontact elements are provided at the bottom of the electrical interface713 as shown to provide control signals from the control attachment tothe power adapter. The control signals can be used for any types offunctions associated with control attachment and the power adapter,including for example an authentication of the control attachment, apairing of the control attachment and the power adapter, any functionsfor providing signals from the control attachment to the power adapter,as well as any functions for providing feedback to a user of the controlattachment for example.

While a single electrical interface 713 is shown by way of example, itshould be understood that the electrical interface 713 could be splitinto different electrical interfaces, such as different connectorsassociated with different functions. For example, the portion of theelectrical interface 713 providing reference voltages from the poweradapter to the control attachment could be separate from a portion ofthe electrical interface 713 for providing control signals between thepower adapter in the control attachment. Such an arrangement wouldenable a modular assembly of a control attachment or power adapter. Thatis, it may be possible to provide a low-cost control attachment havingdimmer capability, but no other transfer of control signals, where thecontrol attachment would require a smaller contact block having fewercontacts, where only contact elements for the elements for an on/offsignal or reference voltages would be needed. However, the controlattachment could be configured to receive a larger contact block (or anadditional contact block) also having contact the elements for controlsignal, as will be described in more detail below.

While wireless control signals could be coupled to a control attachmentby way of contact elements as will be described in more detail below, itshould be understood that wireless power signals and communicationsignals could be provided between the power adapter and the controlattachment. The transmissions of signals could be achieved by any typeof wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth protocol or a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) protocol for example. For example, a first wirelesscommunication transceiver 1002 implemented in a power adapter couldcommunicate with a second wireless communication transceiver 1004implemented in a control attachment by way of a wireless communicationlink 1006. Power could be provided to the control attachment by way ofan inductive coupling circuit or any other type of wireless chargingcircuit. According to the implementation of FIG. 10, a switch element702 could be implemented to enable an on/off function of the poweradapter arrangement. While FIG. 10 shows an example of an on/off switch,it should be understood that other types of switches could be used, orthe on/off signal could be transmitted by way of the wirelesscommunication link 1006 instead to provide a fully wireless interface.

Turning now to FIG. 11, an example of a switch configuration enabling aconnection by shorting contacts of a connector of a power adapter isshown. That is, the implementation of FIG. 11 would provide a simplemethod of sending a signal from a control attachment to a power adapterby merely shorting two contact elements 716. As shown in FIG. 11, acontact element 1102 is movable too short to the contact elements 716 ofthe connector 904, for example, to provide a closed circuit. Therefore,an off signal can be generated by the open circuit on the left of FIG.11, while an on signal can be generated by the closed circuit on theright of FIG. 11. While various interface elements and combinationsdifferent interface elements are shown, it should be understood theinterface elements and combinations of interface elements are shown byway of example, and that different interface elements and differentcombinations of interface elements could be employed.

While uni-directional control signals are shown by way of example inFIGS. 7-9, it should be understood that the corresponding contactelements of the power adapter and control attachment could beimplemented to enable the transfer of bidirectional control signals.Further, the pairs of contact the elements could enable serialcommunication associated with a particular function, or collectivelycould represent a parallel communication interface. Any number ofcontrol signal contact elements could be implemented to enable thetransfer of information between the power adapter and the controlattachment, and the control signal contact elements could be configuredin a way to implement any type of communication protocol.

For example, any number of pairs of contact elements could be used toimplement a serial communication interface, such as a serial peripheralinterface (SPI) having one wire for each of the power adapter and thecontrol attachment and one wire for clock pulses, an RS-232 interfacethat provides a full duplex communication link, Ethernet, UniversalSerial Bus (USB), or any other synchronous or asynchronous serialcommunication link. Similarly, any number of pairs of contact elementscould be used to implement a parallel communication interface, such as aGeneral Purpose Instrument Bus (GPIB, also known as the IEEE-488standard) for example.

Turning now to FIG. 12, a block diagram of a data block having aplurality of fields enabling the transfer of signals between a poweradapter and a control attachment is shown. According to the exemplaryblock diagram of FIG. 12, different fields are provided that enable thecommunication of signals between the power adapter and the controlattachment. The data block of FIG. 12 comprises a synchronization (Sync)field 1202, a type (Type) field 1204, an identification (ID) field 1206,a preamble (Preamble) field 1208, a command (Command) field 1210, and aterminate (Terminate) field 1212. The synchronization field 1202 enablesa transfer of data between the control attachment and the power adapterto allow the control attachment to control the application of power to aload. For example, the synchronization signal could be used by one ofthe power adapter or control attachment too indicate that data, such ascommands or identification information, is being sent. A type field mayalso be included and can be used to indicate the type of power adapteror control attachment that is used. An ID field is also provided toinclude an identification, which may be a unique identification forexample, of either the power adapter the control attachment. As will bedescribed in more detail below, the identification may be used toauthenticate the control attachment and enable the control attachment toprovide signals to and receive signals from the power adapter. Theidentification field may be a unique identification field.

A preamble may then be provided to indicate the type of information thatmight follow, such as commands or other data that might be exchanged. Acommand field could include any type of command or other information(e.g. information provided in response to a command) to be provided fromone of the power adapter to the control attachment. Finally, a terminatefield could comprise data indicating that the transmission has ended.Once a control attachment is authenticated as being an authorizedcontrol attachment, data may be transmitted between the power adapterand control attachment until the exchange of data between them isterminated using data in the terminate field, as described in moredetail in reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

While the fields of FIG. 12 are shown by example, it should beunderstood that different fields or additional fields could beimplemented to perform any necessary functions, including enabling theexchange of information between the power adapter and the controlattachment, the control of the power adapter by the control attachment,and feedback from the control attachment to a user of the controlattachment. Also, each of the fields may comprise sub-fields. Further,similar data could be included in different fields, and could betransmitted and received according to a predefined protocol.

Turning now to FIG. 13, a flow chart showing a method of enabling thecontrol of a power adapter using a control attachment is shown. That is,the circuits and methods set forth below not only ensure that anapproved control attachment is used for including advanced features forcontrolling the power adapter, but enables manual operation of basicfeatures, such as manual on/off or dimming control. After the method isstarted at a block 1302, such as in response to the detection of anevent by a power adapter (e.g. determining that a control attachment mayhave been attached to the power adapter), it is determined whether acontrol attachment is attached to the power adapter at a block 1304. Ifso, identification information is downloaded from the control attachmentto the power adapter at a bock 1306. A check of the identificationinformation is then performed at a block 1308. It is then determinedwhether the control attachment is an authorized control attachment. Thatis, the control attachment is authenticated as an authorized controlattachment. An authorized control attachment may be a control attachmentthat is confirmed to be used with the power adapter. For example, thepower adapter may analyze a unique identification signal provided by thecontrol attachment to determine whether the control attachment isauthorized to work with the power adapter.

Because the control of high voltage electrical signals can be dangerous,where the improper use of high voltage signals can lead to a fire orpersonal injury, it is beneficial to ensure that only authorized controlattachments are allowed to control the application of power to a load,as described in more detail above. Therefore, if it is determined thatthe control attachment is not an authorized control attachment at ablock 1310, only manual inputs (i.e. inputs provided by a user to aninterface of the control attachment, such as by a user engaging a toggleelement for example) from the control attachment user interface will beaccepted at a block 1312. While it is beneficial to not only prevent anunauthorized control attachment (i.e. a control attachment that has notbeen authorized) from controlling a power adapter, it is also beneficialto allow the control attachment to control the power adapter in responseto manual user inputs. That is, a user will be able to use simplefunctions of the power adapter so that the user can turn on and off thelight until the control attachment can be replaced with an authorizescontrol attachment. Unlike an unauthorized control attachment that maynot function properly with the power adapter, and may unsafely applypower to a load, the manual use of the control attachment should notprovide any risk to the user. However, if it is determined that thecontrol attachment is an authorized control attachment, all inputs fromthe control attachment will be accepted at a block 1314, and theprocesses ended at a block 1316. It should be understood that theauthorization process in the block 1310 may be performed whenever acontrol attachment is attached. That is, once a control attachment isauthorized, it may continue to operate with the power adapter until itis removed.

Turning now to FIG. 14, an example of a signal transfer protocol fortransferring signals between a power adapter and a control attachment isshown. As shown for example in FIG. 14, an attachment signal may beprovided by the control attachment to the power adapter. The attachmentsignal may be a voltage that is generated in response to a powerreference voltage being provided to the control attachment. That is, thepower adapter would detect that the control attachment is receiving thepower reference voltage from the power adapter and drawing current. Thepower adapter, in response to detecting the attachment signal, may thenprovide an information request. For example, the power adapter mayrequest identification information to enable authenticating the controlattachment. The information may then be provided to the power adapter,which way then provide an acknowledgement signal. Various controlsignals and feedback signals 1402 can then be transferred between thepower adapter and the control attachment. The control signals andfeedback signals can relate to the operation of the power adapter, theoperation in the control attachment, signals received from the controlattachment and provided to the power adapter to control the applicationof power to a load, or feedback signals provided to the controlattachment. While an exemplary sequence of signals being transferred isshown, it should be understood that other sequences and other signalscould be transmitted, or that similar types of signals could betransmitted according to a predetermined signaling protocol to achieveauthorization of the control attachment and control of the poweradapter.

Various examples of power adapters, control attachments, and a poweradapter as coupled to control attachments are now shown. While someexamples of power adapters and control attachments are shown, it shouldbe understood that features of the power adapters and controlattachments could be implemented differently, and features could beinterchanged between the various implementations. The examples areprovided in the following figures to demonstrate how features could beimplemented. However, it should be understood that the various featurescould be implemented differently.

Turning first to FIG. 15, a front and side view of a power adapter 102is shown. As shown in the implementation of FIGS. 15-21, an on switchand an off switch are provided on a surface of the power adapter toenable manual control of the power adapter using a basic controlattachment, and even when the control attachment is not attachment. Moreadvance features of a more advance control attachment can be implantedusing connector shown near the bottom of the power adapter. Whilecontact elements are also provided on the surface of the power adapterand exposed to a user of the power adapter when the control attachmentis not attached or is removed to be replaced with a different controlattachment, the contact elements do not include high voltage signals,and therefore are not a risk to uses of the power adapter. That is, auser of the power adapter can operate the power adapter without acontrol attachment attached to the power adapter without any risk to theuser. Such a configuration makes the power adapter arrangement (having apower adapter that can be used without a control attachment)particularly beneficial to a home builder that may wire a house andallow a user to install control attachments, or allow the home builderto wire a house and install the control attachments at a later timeafter consultation with the home owner. However, during the time fromthe wiring of the power adapters and the time when a home owner mayselect control attachments, lights or other devices controlled by thepower adapter may be used without a control attachment attached.

A wall, 1501 having a top 1502 in a planar surface, extending around aperimeter of the power adapter defines a recess 1503 extending to a rearsurface 1504 comprising a back wall of the recess. A first switch 1506comprising a switch control element 1507 and a second switch 1508comprising a switch control element 1510 are positioned on the rearsurface 1504 of the recess. The first switch 1506 and the second switch1508 may comprise physical actuators that generate a signal in responseto a physical external input (i.e. a manual input such as a pressing ofthe switch element). For example, the first switch 1506 and the secondswitch 1508 may be electro-mechanical actuators enabling on off controlof the power adapter.

As described above, the first switch 1506 and the second switch 1508 maybe used with or without a control attachment, and even with the controlattachment that is not authorized. That is, because only low powervoltage signals may be provided to an electrical interface 1512 havingcontact elements 1514, a home builder can install the power adapter(even without control attachment, but with a wall plate if desired)without concern that the user of the power adapter would be exposed to ahigh voltage electrical signal. The user could control the power adapterby merely depressing the switch control element 1507 to turn power tothe load on or depressing the switch control element 1510 to turn powerto the load off. While the electrical interface 1512 may be used toreceives signals from an authorized control attachment 104, anunauthorized control attachment connected to the power adapter would beallowed to be used to turn on and off power to the load, but may beprevented from controlling the power adapter by way of the contactelements of the electrical interface 1512. Further, while the electricalinterface 1512 is shown at the bottom of the power adapter, it couldalso be placed between the switch is 1506 in 1508 of the power adapter,as will be shown in other implementations below, or at another locationor in another orientation.

The power adapter would also comprise contact elements that are coupledto reference voltages of a building, which may include a high powerreference voltage (e.g. 120 or 220 volt reference voltage), and groundand neutral reference voltages, as described above. For example, a firstcontact element 1516 is shown here by way of example as having a screw1518 that is adapted to secure a wire to the contact element 1516, and asecond contact element 1520 having a screw 1522 adapted to secure a wireto the contact element 1520 are shown. While two contact elements areshown on a side of the power adapter, additional contact elements couldbe provided on the opposing side for example, or on the top or bottom,where any number of contact the elements are provided to enable theappropriate control of loads in an electrical circuit. For example, thecontact elements such as contact elements 1516 and 1520 could beprovided to enable connections to power, neutral, ground, and 3-way, asshown and described for example in FIGS. 1-5.

The power adapter may also comprise a dimmer control feature, where aguide element 1524 enables the movement of a dimmer controller 1526 toprovide dimming control. A corresponding dimmer control element may beimplemented in the control attachment, where the dimmer control elementsare coupled to enable dimming control from the control attachment, aswill be described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 65-75. While thedimmer control functionality is provided for manual dimmer control, itshould be understood that dimming control could also be provided by wayof the electrical interface 1512, where dimming control can becoordinated using the 2 interfaces as will be described in more detailbelow. It should be understood that the dimmer controller 1526 isoptional, and dimming control could be controller by non-mechanicalelements from the control attachment by way of the electrical interface.A pair of flanges 1528 are included on the top and bottom of a poweradapter that is configured to be attached to a junction box, where eachflange comprises an opening 1530 for receiving a screw enabling thepower adapter to be coupled to a the junction box and threaded portion1532 for receiving a screw that enables a wall plate to be attached tothe power adapter, as will be described in more detail below.

Turning now to FIG. 16, a cross-sectional view of the power adapter ofFIG. 15 taken at lines 16-16 is shown. As shown in FIG. 16, the switchcontrol elements 1507 and 1510 of the switches 1506 and 1508 are exposedin the recess 1503, enabling the user to use the switches withoutactuator elements of the control attachment normally used to control theswitches. As also shown in the cross sectional view of FIG. 16, therecess 1503 provides space for receiving elements of the controlattachment, such as circuit elements and/or mechanical elements of acontrol attachment for enabling operation of the power adapter, as willbe described in more detail below.

Various types of control attachments are also described. According tosome implementations, the control attachment could be configured to beplaced behind the recess or opening of a wall plate, where a toggleelement extends though the opening in the wall plate after the wallplate is attached to the power adapter, but cannot be inserted throughor removed through the opening in the wall plate when the wall plate isattached to the power adapter. That is, the control attachment can onlybe attached to or detached from the power adapter when the wall plate isnot attached to the power adapter, as described in reference to FIG. 17and other figures below. By requiring that the wall plate be removed toattach the control attachment to the power adapter or remove the controlattachment from the power adapter, it is more difficult to remove thecontrol attachment, making it more difficult for a control attachment tobe stolen or removed as a prank.

Alternatively, the control attachments may be adapted to be insertedthrough a recess of a wall plate coupled to the power adapter. That is,a control attachment can be attached or removed when the wall plate isattached to the power adapter as will be described in more detail inreference to FIG. 18 and other implementations below. As will bedescribed in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 48 and 49, theattachment elements associated with the power adapter could beconfigured to receive control attachments that can be attached ordetached when the wall plate is attached to the power adapter (FIG. 49),or only when the wall plate is detached from the power adapter (FIG.48). That is, according to some implementations, a common power adaptercan be provided, where the control attachment can be implemented toaccommodate either type of control element.

According to various implementations, maintained switches (i.e. switchesthat a state of power applied to a load is maintained until anothertoggle event occurs) are shown, where the toggle element may be springloaded to return to a common fixed position by one or more springelements after a toggle motion (to either apply power to the load orremove power from the load) as described in reference to FIGS. 17-21 ormay move between 2 fixed positions as described in reference to FIGS.24-25.

Turning now to FIG. 17, a front and side view of a control attachmenthaving a portion that extends through recess of a wall plate and aportion including attachment elements that are located behind the wallplate (i.e. preventing the control attachment from being attached ordetached when the wall plate is attached to the power adapter) is shown.As shown in FIG. 17, the control attachment 104 comprises a planarsurface 1702 of a body portion 1703, where a wall 1704 extends from theplanar surface 1705, and would extend through the opening in the wallplate when the wall plate is attached to the power adapter. That is, thewall 1704 will be aligned with the perimeter of the opening of the wallplate and extend through the opening of the wall plate when the controlelement is attached to the power adapter and the wall plate is thenattached to the power adapter, where the wall plate will cover at leasta portion of the planar surface 1702. According to some implementations,the perimeter of the opening of the wall plate may abut the planarsurface 1702. The planar surface 1702 may also be aligned with theplanar surface on top of the wall 1502 so that the planar surface on thetop of the wall 1502 and the planar surface 1702 are in the same plane.Such an arrangement may make it easier for the wall plate to correctlyalign with the power adapter and control attachment when they arecoupled together.

The control attachment 104 of FIG. 17 may also comprise a toggle element1706, shown here by way of example as a paddle-type toggle element, thatis movable within a gap 1708 within the base portion 1703. The toggleelement comprises a top portion 1710 and a bottom portion 1712 on eitherside of a center portion 1714. The toggle element 1706. Is movablycoupled to the base portion 1703 by way of hinge elements 1715. As willbe described in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 19-21, Thetoggle element main move between and on position and an off position.

The control attachment also comprises attachment elements 1716 and 1718that enable attaching the control attachment to the power adapter.According to some implementations, the attachment elements may comprisemovable elements, such as leaf springs having a projection for engagingwith a corresponding element of the power adapter, as will be describedin more detail in reference to FIGS. 47-49. According to theimplementation of FIG. 17, the attachment elements are positioned sothat they are not accessible when a wall plate is place over the controlattachment and coupled to the power adapter. That is, a user of thepower adapter any not be able to engage or interact with the attachmentelements, and the base portion 1703 would not fit through the opening ofthe wall plate (and therefore the control attachment would not be ableto be inserted or removed with the wall plate on). As will be describedin reference to FIG. 18, the attachment elements would be accessible tothe user when the wall plate is attached, enabling the user to insert orremove the control attachment when the wall plate is attached.

While a combination of power adapter and the control attachment in FIGS.15-17, it should be understood that a power adapter having no recesscould be implemented, where the rear surface 1504 is in the same planeas the top of the wall 1502. Alternatively, the back wall could beraised with respect to the top of the wall, where the control attachmentmay have a peripheral flange that could be placed over the back wall andabut a planar surface around the top of the wall 1502. It should also beunderstood that many different types of attachment elements could beimplemented, and the attachment of the control attachment to the poweradapter could be based upon any principle, including a friction fit,where the attachment elements would comprise attachment elements thatabut one another and are attached based upon friction, such as whenedges of the control attachment abut the inside portion of the wall1501, or when a peripheral flange abuts side walls of the back wall thatis raised with respect to the wall 1501. Any other type of attachmentelements could be used, including spring loaded attachment elements, orprojections and corresponding flanges or recesses adapted to receive theprojection for example.

Turning now to FIG. 18, a front and side view of a control attachmentthat extends through opening or recess of a wall plate, where theattachment elements of the control attachment are accessible when thewall plate is attached to the power adapter is shown. While the wallplate is generally attached to the power adapter, the power adapterarrangement could be configured so that wall plate is attached to thecontrol attachment. According to the implementation of FIG. 18, a baseportion 1801 comprises a top portion 1802 of a wall 1803, where both thetop portion 1802 and at least a portion of the wall 1803 may extendthrough the opening of a wall plate when the wall plate is attached tothe power adapter arrangement. That is, at least a portion of the baseportion 1801 extends through the opening of wall plate so that a usercan access the attachment elements associated with the based portion andremove the control attachment.

More particularly, the control attachment of FIG. 18 comprises a gap1804 between a toggle element 1805 and the wall 1803. The toggle element1805 comprises the top portion 1806 and a bottom portion 1808 on eitherside of a center portion 1810, which comprises a pivot portion.Attachment elements 1816 and 1818 are positioned at the top and bottomof the base portion 1801 to enable the control attachment to be attachedto the power adapter. It should be understood that the attachmentelements 1716 and 1718 of FIG. 17 and attachment elements 1816 and 1818of FIG. 18 could be configured to attach to the same attachment elementsof the power adapter 102 as described in reference to FIGS. 48 and 49.Such an arrangement would enable a user to decide which type of powerattachment to use (i.e. a control attachment that can be attached anddetached when the wall plate is attached to the power adapter or acontrol attachment that can be attached or detached only when the wallplate is not attached to the power adapter). Having a choice of thetypes of control attachments is beneficial to a user because there maybe different situations where one type of control attachment may bebetter than another. For example, an owner of a residential home coulduse control attachments that can be attached and detached when the wallplate is attached to the power adapter. However, in a commercialbuilding where there is a chance that a control attachment may be stolenor removed as a prank, it would be beneficial to install controlattachments that can only be removed when the wall plate is removed.That is, requiring that the wall plate be removed for the controlattachment to be detached would make it more difficult for the controlattachment to be stolen or removed by an unauthorized party. Accordingto some implementations, a control attachment that can only be detachedwhen the wall plate is removed could also be configured to require aspecial tool to be removed even after the wall plate is removed.

Turning now to FIG. 19, a side view of the control attachment of FIG. 17having a toggle element is shown. According to the implementation ofFIG. 19, actuator elements 1902 and 1904 are movable in response to auser actuation of the top portion 1710 and the bottom portion 1712 ofthe toggle element 1706. Also shown in FIG. 19 is a control circuit 1910coupled to contact elements 1912, which would be present if the controlattachment is a smart control attachment and comprises a controlcircuit, such as control circuit 118 as described above. While thecontrol circuit 1910 is shown by way of example near the bottom of thecontrol attachment, it should be understood that the control circuit canbe placed at other locations along the control attachment. The controlattachment may also comprise spring elements 1906 and 1908. The springelements 1906 and 1908 enable the toggle element to return to a standingposition (i.e. a return-to-center type toggle element that remains in afixed, center position whenever a portion of the toggle element is notbeing pressed).

Turning now to FIGS. 20 and 21, the state of the toggle element beforereturning to the center position is shown. FIG. 20 shows a side view ofthe control attachment of FIG. 19 having a movable toggle element in afirst position, which may be considered an on position (for a switchthat is not in a 3-way switch connection). FIG. 21 is a side view of thecontrol attachment of FIG. 19 having a movable toggle element in asecond position, which may be considered an off position (for a switchthat is not a 3-way switch connection). As will be described in moredetail below in reference to FIG. 80, different actions can be takendepending upon a current state of power applied to a device when eitherthe top portion or the bottom portion of the toggle element 1706 ispressed. While FIGS. 19-21 are based upon the control attachment of FIG.17, it should be understood that the same toggle element arrangementcould implemented according to the implementation of FIG. 18, where thecontrol attachment is removable when the wall plate is attached.

Turning now to FIG. 22, a front and side view of a power adapter havinga single toggle actuator and an optional dimmer control is shown.According to the implementation of FIGS. 22-25, a single on/off switchis included on the power adapter. According to the implementation ofFIG. 22 and also shown in the cross-sectional side view of FIG. 23, theswitch 1508 is not included, where a toggle function depends upon achange of state of the switch 1506 having a movable switch controlelement 1507. By using a single on/off switch, the area of the poweradapter of FIG. 15 having the second switch can be used for otherfunctions, as will be described in more detail below. The controlattachment that could be used with the power adapter of FIG. 22 maycomprise a spring-loaded toggle element that may be retained in an on oroff position as described in FIGS. 21-24 below to enable the use of asingle switch on the power adapter. That is, the switch control element1507 will be held in a certain state after an indication of a desire tochange a state of the power applied to the load (i.e. by pressing thetop portion of the toggle element), and then released in response toanother indication of a desire to change the state of the power appliedto the load (i.e. by pressing the bottom portion of the toggle element).

As shown in the implementation of FIG. 23, the flange 1528 may becontoured as shown to enable an attachment element of the controlattachment to be coupled to a corresponding attachment element of theflange, such as to a projection 2302 of the flange That is, anattachment element of the flange may be adapted to receive acorresponding attachment element of a control attachment to enableattaching the control attachment to the power adapter. Such anarrangement may be beneficial when the power adapter does not comprise arecess 1503, but rather the control attachment is attached to a planarsurface of the power adapter.

Turning now to FIGS. 24 and 25, an example of a control attachment thatcould be used with the power adapter of FIG. 22 is shown. The controlattachment of FIG. 24 is a static control attachment (i.e. remains in afixed position when either the top portion or the bottom portion of thetoggle element is moved), and comprises a toggle element that is movedto either a first static position as shown in FIG. 24 or a second staticposition as shown in FIG. 25. A side view of a control attachment thatmay be implemented with the power adapter of FIG. 22 and having a toggleelement in a first state as shown in FIG. 24. The control attachment ofFIG. 24 may comprise a spring-loaded element 2402 that retains thetoggle elements in either the first position or the second position whenmoved to that position.

More particularly, the spring-loaded element 2402 comprises a spring2403 that may be extended when moved from a first position to a secondposition, where the spring is coupled between a first coupling element2404 and a second coupling element 2406, and the spring-loaded element2402 is coupled to the control attachment at a hinge element 2408. Inthe first state as shown in FIG. 24 after the top portion of the toggleelement is pressed, the spring 2403 is in a first resting state, holdingthe toggle element in the first state as shown in FIG. 24. When in thefirst state, the toggle element will hold the switch control element1507 in a “pressed” state.

However, when the bottom portion of the toggle element is pressed, thespring-loaded element 2402 extends through an arc defined by angles 1and 2 as shown. As the spring-loaded element 2402 passes through the 1stangle, the spring is extended, and then begins to return to anon-extended state (i.e. a second resting state) as the spring-loadedelement 2402 reaches the end of the second angle as shown in FIG. 25.When the spring-loaded element 2402 reaches the end of the second angle,these spring is again no longer extended, holding the spring loadedelement in the second state. While paddle-type toggle elements are shownin reference to FIGS. 17-25, it should be understood that any type oftoggle element could be implemented.

Turning now to FIG. 26, a front and side view of a control attachmenthaving a hinged toggle element is shown. According to the implementationof FIGS. 26-31, a hinged toggle element enables access to controlelements that may include user interface elements behind the toggleelement and a recess for receiving a control module. More particularly,a hinged actuator element 2602 is coupled to the control attachment baseportion 1703 by hinge elements 2604. As shown in the side view of FIG.27 of the control attachment of FIG. 26, elements are included thatenable the control of an actuator of the power adapter for controllingthe power adapter. For example, a top portion 2701 can be depressedwithin a wall portion 2702, where an opening 2703 is provided in theback wall of the control attachment that enables a switch actuatorelement 2704, shown here by way of example as a projection, to extendthrough a back wall of the control attachment and make contact with anactuator of the power adapter. It should be understood that the switchactuator element 2704 could engage an intermediate actuator element, aswill be described in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 81 and 82.A spring element 2706 may be included to enable the toggle element toreturn to a fixed state, as shown in FIG. 27. The control attachment mayalso comprise a control circuit 2710 and contact element 2712 near abottom portion 2714 of the hinged toggle element.

Turning now to FIG. 28, a front and side view of the control attachmentof FIG. 26 with the hinged toggle element in an open position andexposing a control module and optional user interfaces is shown, wherethe inner surface 2808 of the hinged toggle element comprises the switchactuator element 2704 and the spring element 2706. More particularly, arear surface 2802 of an inner portion of the control attachment (i.e.visible when the movable toggle element is open) may comprise varioususer interfaces or be adapted to receive a control module. For example,a recess 2804 may be included to receive a controller 2806, which maycomprise a control module or insert for example. The inner surface mayalso comprise a user interface 2814, which may comprise actuatorelements or electrical connectors for programming the control attachmentor power adapter or otherwise controlling the power adapter. The userinterface 2814 may be coupled to the controller 2806 by way of a signalline 2816.

Turning now to FIG. 29, a front and side view of the control attachmentof FIG. 26 with the controller 2806 of FIG. 28 removed is shown. Therecess 2804 may comprise attachment elements 2902, which may beimplemented on either side of the recess for example. The recess mayalso comprise an electrical interface 2904, which may be a connector orcontact block, having contact elements 2906. According to theimplementation of FIG. 30, rather than having an electrical interface,the recess may comprise an opening 3002 that enables the contactelements of the controller 2806 to be exposed on the back of the controlattachment, enabling electrical connections to corresponding contactelements of the power adapter.

According to the implementation of FIG. 31, the controller 2806comprises a rear surface 3102 that is adapted to abut a rear surface ofthe recess 2804. The rear surface 3102 comprises an electrical interface3104, such as a connector or contact block having contact elements 3106.The context elements 3106 may make an electrical contact with thecontact elements 2906 of the control attachment when the controller 2806is inserted into the recess 2804. Alternatively, the contact elements3106 may make contact with corresponding contact elements of the poweradapter according to the implementation of FIG. 30. Attachment elements3108 are adapted to couple with corresponding attachment elements 2902to secure the controller 2802 in the recess and ensure an adequateelectrical connection between the corresponding contact elements.

According to the implementation of FIG. 32, a control module 3206 may beaccessible when a hinged toggle element is in a closed position asshown. More particularly, a front and side view of a control attachmenthaving a control module 3206 that is accessible through a recess in atoggle element, such as a hinged toggle element as shown. According tothe implementation of FIG. 32, a hinged toggle element may comprise arecess for receiving a control module, where the control attachmentcomprises in control actuator 3202 having a top portion 3203 thatenables a toggle selection and a recess 3204 adapted to receive acontrol module 3206. The control module 3206 may comprise a lens 3208(e.g. a translucent region that may be adapted to accommodate a sensorsuch as a camera or a motion detector), which is also shown in FIG. 33,where the control module 3206 may comprise contact elements 3302 thatmay be coupled to contact elements of the control attachment or thepower adapter as described in reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. As shown inFIG. 33, the control module 3206 may be attached to or detached from thecontrol attachment while the control actuator 3202 is in a closedposition. The control actuator 3202 also comprises hinge elements 3210to enable both an actuator motion (i.e. a movement of the controlactuator to enable an actuation of a switch of the power adapter) and anopening of the control actuator 3202 to expose user interface elementson an inside surface of the control attachment as shown in FIG. 34. Aninside surface 3402 of the control actuator 3202 may comprise the switchactuator element 2704 and the spring element 2706 as described above.

Turning now to FIG. 35, a front and side view of the toggle element 3203of FIG. 32 that may be removed is shown. More particularly, the actuatorelement 3202 comprises a first and second leg portions 3502 and 3504associated with the hinge elements 3210. As shown in FIG. 36, the baseportion 1703 of the control attachment may comprise a hinge element 3602adapted to receive the hinge element 3210. For example, a protrusion3604 associated with a base portion 3606 comprises first and secondprojections 3608 and 3610 to form a recess 3612. The recess 3612 issized to receive the hinge element 3210 such that the control actuator3202 may be attached to and detached from the control attachment.

Turning now to FIG. 37, a block diagram of a power adapter and a controlattachment that may be connected using a variety of connection elementsis shown. The exemplary elements of the power adapter 102 and thecontrol attachment 104 of FIG. 37 may be implemented to perform theoperations of the power adapter and the control attachment as describedin reference to FIGS. 1-5 for example or other figures, and the wirelessand physical interface elements between the power adapter and thecontrol attachment of FIG. 37 may be implemented as described inreference to FIGS. 7-10 for example or other figures. However, it shouldbe understood that FIG. 37 provides an example of a configuration ofelements that could be used to enable the operation of a power adapterarrangement having a power adapter and a control attachment. Differentelements could be implemented in the power adapter arrangement, or theelements as shown could be configured or distributed differently in thepower adapter arrangement within the spirit and scope of the invention.Certain functions implemented by way of example in multiple blocks ofthe functional block diagram of FIG. 37 may be implemented in a singleblock. For example, a test circuit of the power adapter may beimplemented as a part of a control circuit of the power adapter.Examples of test circuits that could be implemented are shown in FIGS.83 and 84. Further, different functions of the power adapter arrangementmay be distributed differently between the power adapter 102 and thecontrol attachment 104, as described in the different examples set forthherein.

The block diagram of FIG. 37 shows elements of a power adapterarrangement, such as the power adapter arrangement of FIGS. 1-5 forexample. As shown in FIG. 37, a control circuit 3702 is coupled tovarious elements of the power adapter 102 to provide power to and enablecommunication with the control attachment 104 and control the operationof the power adapter. The control circuit 3702 may control at least oneof the other components of the power adapter 102, including controllingpower applied to a load, and/or perform an operation or data processingrelating to communication with the control attachment 104.

The control circuit 3702, as well as the control circuit 3732 describedin more detail below, may comprise a processor suitable for theexecution of a computer program, and may include, by way of example,both general and special purpose microprocessors, a central processingunit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor(CP), or any type of processor that could be used to communicate withthe control attachment or an external device or control the switchingoperation of the power adapter. The control circuit 3702 could be an ARMprocessor, an X86 processor, a MIPS processor, a general purpose unitGPU, or any other processor configured to execute instructions stored ina memory. The control circuit 3703 could be implemented in one or moreprocessing devices, including a processor and other dedicated logiccircuits.

Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from memory,such as a read only memory or a random access memory or both, where theprocessor is configured to perform actions in accordance withinstructions. One or more memory devices may be included as a part ofthe processor or separate from the processor for storing instructionsand data. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions anddata include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices,including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM,EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal harddisks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; or any other type ofmemory device. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, orincorporated with, special purpose logic circuitry. According to otherimplementations, the control circuits 3702 and 3732 may be implementedby logic circuits, such as an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC).

A transformer 3704 is coupled to an input port 3705 for receiving aneutral voltage and an input port 3706 to receive an input voltage thatenables providing power to a load by way of an output of the poweradapter. That is, the transformer receives a high power signal, and thepower adapter controls the application of the high power signal to aload. The input ports comprise contact elements that could be forexample wires or connector screws that are wired into a junction box orcould be contact elements associated with an electrical outlet in a wallof a residential or commercial building. The control circuit alsoreceives a ground potential at a ground terminal 3708, which may beanother contact element such as a ground wire or ground contact, or aground prong of an outlet of the power adapter for example.

The transformer 3704 also provides power, which will be a low powersignal, to the control circuit 3702 by way of a power line 3707. Thatis, the transformer 3704 will generate a low power signal (e.g.approximately 0-24 Volts) that is used to power electronic circuits ofthe power adapter and/or electronic circuits of the control attachment.The control circuit 3702 may also receive power by way of a backupbattery 3709 to retain any information such as operational informationor timing patterns in the event of a power loss. While a battery isshown by way of example, a different source of backup power could beimplemented, such as a capacitor that will provide power to the poweradapter and/or the control attachment in the event of a power loss.

An input portion 3710 may be implemented to enable the input ofinformation or the selection of features of the power adapter, such astiming patterns that may be implemented by the power adapter. The inputportion may include one or more buttons that can be selected to enable aresetting of the power adapter or a pairing of the power adapter and thecontrol attachment as will be described in more detail below. Examplesof user interface elements that may be implemented by the input portion3710 are described in more detail below in reference to FIG. 44.

A memory 3712 is coupled to the control circuit and may storeoperational information, timing patterns, software programs, data forimplementing software programs, and any other data used in operating thepower adapter or control attachment. It should be noted that the inputportion 3710 of the power adapter may also include the connector forreceiving the portable memory device such as a USB thumb drive or an SDmemory to download any type of data, such as operational information,programming data, or firmware as will be described in more detail below.An oscillator 3713 may be coupled to the control circuit to enable thecontrol circuit to maintain a current time.

A switch 3720 is coupled to receive power from the transformer by way ofa power line 3722 and provide power to an output 3723 (which may beanother contact element that is coupled to a load such as by a wire inan electrical system or a contact element of an outlet adapted toreceive a plug) in response to control signals generated by the controlcircuit 3702 on a line 3724 from the control circuit. The controlsignals may be any type of signals for regulating power applied to aload, such as on and off signals and dimming signals for example. Theswitch 3720 may be a relay or TRIAC for example for coupling high powersignals to a load as described above. The control signals may begenerated in response to signals received by the power adapter,including signals received from the control attachment. The controlsignals may be associated with a timing pattern that is stored in amemory of the power adapter arrangement, including a memory of one orboth of the power adapter and the control attachment. The power adapterarrangement may control the application of power to the load based upona timing pattern that is stored in a memory (e.g. memory 3712 or memory3742), or in response to signals provided to the control attachment(such as by way of the wireless communication circuit 3748) in real time(i.e. the control attachment controls the application of power to theload as it receives a command by way of the wireless communicationcircuit 3748). The control signals by also be generated in response toother information received by the control attachment, such as by asensor of a control attachment or information received from the controlattachment received from an external device, such as a smart phone orother computer device or element of a wireless network.

The output 3723 may be wires or screws that can be coupled to wires inthe case of an in-wall power adaptor that are coupled to a device (i.e.load) that is powered by the power adapter (or contact elements of anoutlet that receives a plug for the device controlled by the poweradapter).

A wireless communication circuit 3726 could be used to receive variousinformation, such as operational information, programming data, orfirmware updates from the control attachment 104 or from some othersource, as will be described in more detail below. The wirelesscommunication circuit 3726 could be adapted to implement any type ofwireless communication protocol as described herein, by way of a wirecommunication connection with the control attachment 104 or with anexternal device other than the control attachment.

The power adapter 102 and the control attachment 104 may communicate byway of an interface 3727, which may be an electrical interface, such asa connector or a plurality of contact elements, as described herein. Theinterface 3727 enables a communication link 3728 with an interface 3729,which may also be an electrical interface, such as a connector or aplurality of contact elements. The communication link may comprisecontact elements of the interfaces 3727 and 3729 to enable the transferof communication signals between the interfaces. The communication linkmay also provide reference voltages including power and ground (orneutral) reference voltages to power elements of the control attachment.

The control attachment 104 comprises a control circuit 3732, which maybe any type of processing circuit for (i) receiving inputs, such as byway of an input portion 3734 or by way of a wireless connection, and(ii) controlling the operation of the control attachment 104, includingcommunicating with the power adapter to control the application of powerto the load. The input portion could be implemented to receive inputs(e.g. mechanical inputs, sensor inputs, etc.) as shown and described inreference to the various control attachments described herein. A battery3736 or some other source of energy such as a capacitor may be used topower the control attachment 104 or function as a backup power sourceduring a power loss (if the control attachment 104 normally receivespower by way of the interface 3729). A display 3746 may also beprovided.

A wireless communication circuit 3748, which may be a wireless receiveror both a wireless transmitter and receiver (i.e. a wirelesstransceiver), comprises an antenna 3750. Data received by the wirelesscommunication circuit 3748 may be provided to the control circuit 3732,or data generated by the control circuit 3732 may be transmitted by thewireless communication circuit 3748. Data, such as a timing pattern oroperational information (e.g. time, date and location information)entered by the input portion or received by way of the wirelesscommunication circuit 3748, may be stored in a memory 3742.

The wireless communication circuit 3748 may be any type of receiver forreceiving wireless communication signals, such as GPS receiver, acellular receiver, a radio frequency (RF) receiver, a WiFi receiver, aBluetooth receiver, and NFC receiver, or any other type of receiveradapted to receive data according to any wireless communicationprotocol, where the information may include operational information,programming data, software updates, or any other type of informationenabling operation of the power adapter arrangement. According to someimplementations where the control attachment comprises a smart speaker(i.e. a device having a microphone and often a speaker that isconfigured to response to commands, including controlling other devicesuch as in-wall or plug-in timers, or respond to questions by providinganswers to questions) as described in more detail below, data andinformation may be received by the wireless communication circuit 3748of the control attachment from an external device associated with asystem employing a smart speaker, such as an Alexa brand system fromAmazon.com, Inc., a Google Home brand system from Alphabet Inc., orApple Home from Apple, Inc. for example.

The operational information, control information, sensor information, orany other data or information received by the control attachment, suchas by way of the input portion 3734 or by way of a wireless connection,may be provided to the control circuit to enable the operation of thecontrol circuit and the implementation of the timing patterns to controlthe load. A GPS receiver is commonly available from SiRF Technology,Inc, for example, while a cellular receiver could be implemented in anintegrated circuit chip or module, such as a chip or module availablefrom u-blox Holding AG of Thalwil, Switzerland. Operational informationincluding time, date and location that may be necessary to implement atiming pattern for example may also be received from a network, such asa Wifi network, from a smart phone (which may receive the operationalinformation from a cellular network for example) communicating with thecontrol attachment by way of a WiFi network, or a short rangeconnection, such as Bluetooth or NFC. Therefore, actuators for enteringtime, date and location information could be eliminated from one or bothof the power adapter and the control attachment with the use of awireless communication circuit 3748.

While the wireless communication circuit 3748 for receivingcommunication signals from a remote network, such as a GPS network, acellular network, a local area network such as WiFi, or short rangeconnection such as Bluetooth or NFC, is shown as a part of the controlattachment 104, some information received by the wireless communicationcircuit 3748 could instead be received by the wireless communicationcircuit 3726 of the power adapter 102. That is, the wirelesscommunication circuit 3726 could be adapted to receiving operationalinformation or any other data wirelessly from a remote device using anywireless communication protocol or wirelessly from the controlattachment by way of the corresponding wireless communication circuit3752.

An oscillator 3744 or some other device for keeping a time for thecontrol attachment may be coupled to the control circuit, where acurrent time or other data may be displayed on the display 3746. Whileseparate oscillators are shown in the power adapter 102 and the controlattachment 104, it should be understood that a single oscillator couldbe implemented, and an oscillating signal or other signal based upon theoscillating signal (e.g. a clock signal) could be shared between thepower adapter 102 and the control attachment 104.

The wireless communication circuit 3752 has an antenna 3754 enabling thecommunication of signals with a corresponding wireless communicationcircuit 3726 (having an antenna 3759) of the power adapter by way of awireless communication link 3756. While both a physical connection fortransferring signals and/or power is provided by way of thecommunication link 3728 and a wireless communication link 3756 isprovided by way of the corresponding wireless communication circuits3726 and 3752, it should be understood that one of the communicationlinks could be implemented. A test circuit 3760 coupled to the interface3727 and the control circuit 3702. The test circuit 3760 could be usedto determine whether the power adapter is wired in an electrical systemcorrectly, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, thetest circuit 3760 could be implemented in the control attachment 104, asdescribed in more detail in reference to FIG. 84. Such an arrangementwould reduce the complexity of the power adapter and apply the cost tothe control attachment. While some control attachments may not thecapability to perform a test, a dedicated test control attachment couldbe used to ensure that the power adapter is wired properly. While adedicated test circuit is shown, which may comprise a voltage detectorfor example, it should be understood that some or all of the testingoperation could be performed in the control circuit 3702 and/or 3732 forexample.

In addition to the communication link 3728, other interfaces can beprovided to enable the communication of signals between the controlattachment and the power adapter. For example, a connector 3761 of thecontrol attachment and a connector 3762 of the power adapter enable acommunication interface 3764. According to one implementation, thecommunication interface 3764 may comprise an electrical interfaceenabling the transfer of electrical signals between the controlattachment and the power adapter. For example, separate interfaces maybe implemented to transfer control signals and power signals. Further,an actuator element 3770 of the power adapter, such as a switch, may beconfigured to receive an actuator input from a corresponding actuatorelement 3772. According to one implementation, the actuator elements3770 and 3772 may be adapted to receive a manual input, such as apressing of an actuator elements of a control attachment as describedherein.

A wireless protocol implemented by one of the wireless communicationcircuits may be, but is not limited to, a standard for transmittingsignals and/or data through electromagnetic radiation in differentfrequency spectrums. Examples of current wireless standards include, butare not limited to IEEE 802 standards, UMTS, GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800,GSM 1900, GPRS, ITU-R 5.138, ITU-R 5.150, ITU-R 5.280, IMT-1000,Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth-low-energy, also known as BLE, Wi-Fi,Ultra-Wideband, WiMAX, and Infrared, Some standards may be aconglomeration of sub-standards such as IEEE 802.11 which may refer to,but is not limited to, IEEE 802.1a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, or IEEE802.11n as well as others under the IEEE 802.11 umbrella. Wireless linksmay also include any cellular network standards used to communicateamong mobile devices, including, but not limited to, standards thatqualify as 1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G, including specifications or standardsmaintained by International Telecommunication Union. The 3G standards,for example, may correspond to the International MobileTelecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification, and the 4G standardsmay correspond to the International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced(IMT-Advanced) specification. Examples of cellular network standardsinclude AMPS, GSM, GPRS, LTE, LTE Advanced, UMTS, Mobile WiMAX, andWiMAX-Advanced. Cellular network standards may use various channelaccess methods e.g. FDMA, TDMA, or CDMA.

Turning now to FIG. 38, a diagram showing a control attachment adaptedto control both a light and a fan is shown. According to the example ofFIG. 38, a control attachment 3802 that may be coupled to a poweradapter comprises interfaces for controlling a light, including dimmingfunctionality, and controlling the speed of a fan. More particularly,the control attachment 3802 is adapted to communicate with a fan 3804 byway of a wireless communication signal 3806. The control attachment maycomprise a switch 3808 having a status indicator 3810, which maycomprise an LED for example that made provide an indication of thesestatus of the power applied to the fan. The control actuator 3802 mayalso comprise movable elements for controlling the dimming of the lightas well as the speed of the fan. More particularly, a first controlelement 3812 may be movable within a channel 3814 to control the dimmingof the light. Similarly, a second control element 3816 may be movablewithin a channel 3818 to control the speed of the fan 3820, which maycomprise a control circuit 3822 having a wireless communication circuitadapted to communicate with a corresponding wireless communicationcircuit of the control attachment 3802. While the control elements areshown by way of example, it should be understood that other controlelements can be implemented.

Turning now to FIG. 39, an arrangement of a power adapter and a controlattachment having a power switch is shown. According to theimplementation of FIGS. 38-42, the power switching functionality isprovided in the control attachment. That is, unlike the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-37 that implement low power signals between the power adapterand control element, high power signals are provided through theinterface between the power adapter and the control attachment.According to the implementation of FIG. 39, a power adapter 3902 iscoupled to a control attachment 3904, where the power adapter maycomprise a 3-way control input 3908, a ground input 3910, a neutralinput 3912, and a power input 3914. A signal interface 3915 enables thetransfer of signals to and from the power adapter and between the poweradapter and the control attachment. A load terminal 3916 is alsoprovided to be coupled to a load. Because the control attachment isconfigured to receive a high power voltage, the control attachment mayalso include an outlet for receiving a plug.

The power adapter arrangement of FIG. 39 comprises a plurality ofinterface elements 3920 and 3921, which may include contact elements forexample. More particularly, a connector element 3922 is coupled to acorresponding connector element 3924 for providing a power signal thereis routed to the load. That is, rather than having a switching element,such as a relay or a TRIAC operating as a dimmer control circuit, in thepower adapter, it may be provided in the control attachment according tothe implementation of FIG. 39, where power routed to the power adapteris routed through the control attachment and back to the load. Theconnector also comprises a connector element 3926 coupled to acorresponding connector element 3928 to provide a ground signal from thepower adapter to the control attachment. A connector element 3930 iscoupled to a corresponding connector element 3932 to provide a neutralsignal from the power adapter to the control attachment. A power signal,which may be based upon the power signal provided to the power adapter,is provided by way of a connector element 3933 to a correspondingconnector element 3934. The interface element 3920 may comprise a singleconnector, a plurality of connectors, is shown by way of example in FIG.40.

The control attachment comprises elements for receiving the power fromthe power adapter, and selectively applying power to a load by way ofthe signal interface 3915. More particularly, the control attachment3904 comprises a control circuit 3936 adapted to receive signals fromvarious interfaces and control a dimmer control circuit 3937 forproviding the power to a load by way of the connector elements 3922 and3924. The control attachment comprises various actuators in a userinterface for receiving input signals that may be used by the controlcircuit 3936 to control the dimmer controller, and generate outputsignals. An actuator 3938 comprises a user interface input 3940 forreceiving user interface input. By way of example, the actuator 3930 maycomprise an on off button. An actuator 3942 comprises a user interfaceinput 3944 for receiving additional user interface input, such as dimmercontrol input. An additional interface 3946 may be coupled to a feedbackcircuit 3948, and may receive signals by way of a communicationinterface 3950 and generate feedback signals by way of a feedback output3952. The communication signals provide to the control attachment may bewireless communication signals for example. The feedback signals may beany type of audio or visual feedback signals for any type of userinterface as described herein. Accordingly, the power adapter 3902 isconfigured to receive high voltage power from an interface of the poweradapter, where the power is routed through the control attachment andback to the power adapter to be provided to the load. By configuring theswitching control of power of the power adapter arrangement of FIG. 39in the control attachment, it is possible to provide a simplified poweradapter, where the functionality of the switching is provided in thecontrol attachment.

FIGS. 40 through 42 show an example of connections for routing thesignals between the control attachment and the power adapter. As shownFIG. 40, a front and side view of the power adapter 3902 of FIG. 39includes a contact block 4002, shown here by way of example as having aplurality of discrete contact elements 4004, which may comprise femalereceptacle contact elements for example. As shown in FIG. 41, receptacle4102 coupled to a signal line 4104 is adapted to receive a contact pin4202 of the control attachment of FIG. 42. Because the contact block4002 comprises a contact element having high voltage, it should beunderstood that the contact block would be configured to prevent anyinadvertent contact with the high voltage power, such as includingprotection elements currently found in outlets to prevent injury to auser.

Turning now to FIG. 43, a flow chart shows a method of enabling a wiringfault detection. Whatever implementing a device that is coupled to highvoltage electric power, it is important that the device is properlyinstalled to prevent any injury to the installer or a user. If a deviceis improperly installed, it may not be obvious to a user, and any injurymay occur without notice to the user. Accordingly, it is beneficial toindicate whether a device has been improperly, or a condition haschanged such that the device he has a fault for example. One commonfault that may occur is a ground fault, where the ground is not properlyattached, or the ground and neutral are inverted. Accordingly, it may bebeneficial to evaluate the ground and neutral voltages with respect toone another to determine whether there is a ground fault. For example,After the method is started at a block 4302, such as after a controlattachment is attached to a power adapter, a timeout period may be setat a block 4304. It is then determined whether the timeout period hasexpired in a block 4306. If the timeout period has expired, voltages forthe ground connection in the neutral connection are received at a block4308. The voltages for the ground connection and the neutral connectionare then compared in a block 4310. It is then determined whether thevoltages are the same at a block 4312. If not, the timeout period isagain set at the block 4304. However, if the voltages are not the same,an indication of an improper wiring connection is provided in a block4314, and the processes ended in a block 4316.

Turning now to FIG. 44, a block diagram of an expanded view of elementsof an in-wall power adapter and control attachment that is adapted to beinstalled in a junction box and to receive a wall plate is shown. Ajunction box describes the housing into which a power adapterarrangement is inserted. A junction box may be formed from metal,plastic or PVC for example, and may be defined as being 1-gang forhaving a single power adapter arrangement or 2-gang for having 2 poweradapter arrangements, as is well known. A “wall plate” (also referred toas face plate or switch cover) refers to, but is not limited to, atypically plastic or metal cover designed to fit around and/or over atleast a portion of the power adapter arrangement while in the junctionbox, and generally overlaps the surrounding wall or ceiling for exampleto provide an aesthetically and/or functional cover.

A power voltage, also referred to as an electrical supply, is areference voltage to provide electrical power for the load controlled bythe power adapter arrangement as described above. According to theimplementation of FIG. 44, a junction box 4402 is coupled to conduit4404 having wires 4406 that may be used to provide power by way of thereference voltages to the power adapter arrangement by way of a terminalportion 4408 of the wires that extend into a recess 4410 adapted toreceive the power adapter arrangement. Flanges 4412 and 4414 receive ascrew or other attachment element by way of a threaded portion 4416 toenable attaching corresponding flanges of the power adapter to theflanges 4412 and 4414.

The power adapter 102 comprises a front surface 4424 that defines arecessed portion 4426 extending from the front surface to a back wall4427. The switching portion may also comprise an attachment element 4430adapted to be coupled to a corresponding attachment element of thecontrol attachment. The power adapter may also comprise flanges 4432having a threaded portion 4434 for receiving a screw to secure a wallplate to the modular power adapter and a hole 4436 which comprises anopening for receiving a screw that can be inserted into the threadedportion 4416 and can be used to secure the power adapter 102 to thejunction box 4402.

User interface elements and other elements enable a user to implementthe power adapter with a control attachment within the recess 4426, suchas on a back wall of the recess for example (or on another surfaceaccessible by a user in an implementation not having a recess). Forexample, a communication port 4438, which may comprise a connector or aplurality of contact elements for example, may be implemented. Thecontact elements may be contact pads adapted to be in electrical contactwith contact elements of the control module, where the contact elementsmay be spring loaded contacts such as pogo-pins, or other flexible orspring loaded contacts that extend from a back surface of the controlattachment and align with and make electrical contact with the contactpads of the power adapter. Alternatively, contact pads can beimplemented on the control attachment and the corresponding contacts canbe implemented on the back of the recess of the power adapter. While thecontact elements are indicated as being on the back surface of the poweradapter and the control attachment, it should be understood that thecontacts can be placed on other surfaces, such as a side of the poweradapter and a side of the control module.

The power adapter may also comprise a control button 4440, which mayfunction as a reset button or a pairing button for enabling the pairingof the control module with the power adapter. The control button may beused to reset the power adapter, enabling the power adapter to receivenew data associated with a control attachment, and therefore to enablethe power adapter and the control attachment to communicate and controla device receiving power from the power adapter arrangement. The controlbutton 4440 could also enable a pairing function to pair an authorizedcontrol attachment to communicate with the power adapter. That is, apairing function can be implemented, wherein a control button on each ofthe power adapter and the control attachment can be selected to enablethe transfer of information between the control attachment and the poweradapter. It may be necessary to charge the control attachment bycoupling the control attachment to the power adapter to enable thecontrol attachment to perform a reset operation and to enable a pairingof the control attachment with the power adapter. Alternatively,separate buttons may be implemented for a reset button and a pairingbutton.

The pairing operation is beneficial to ensure that only an authorizedcontrol attachment is implemented to prevent for example unauthorizedcontrol of a power adapter which may have a wireless control feature.For example, the control of the device receiving power from the poweradapter may be compromised, and unauthorized use of a device under thecontrol of the power adapter may occur. Further, the power adapter andthe control attachment may communicate to enable the proper operation ofa load controlled by the power adapter. For example, a control circuitof the power adapter may detect the type of device controlled by thepower adapter, such as the type of light bulb (e.g. halogen, LED, orCFL), or the number of watts that the bulb or other device draws, andtherefore enables the control circuit of the control attachment toprovide different control signals to the power adapter to control theamount of power applied to the light bulb (such as a dimmable light bulbor a low power light bulb for example).

In addition to an implementation where the power adapter acts as apassive device, and only receives control signals from a control circuitof the control attachment, the power adapter and the control attachmentcould implement a bidirectional communication link according to anotherimplementation to enable the control attachment to understandinformation received by the power adapter and better control the devicecontrolled by the power adapter. Alternatively, the control attachmentcan detect the type or qualities of the light bulb by way of thecommunication ports of the power adapter and the control attachment.

A wireless communication circuit 4442 (shown in dashed to indicate thatit may be behind the back wall 4427 of the recess) may also beimplemented in the power adapter. The wireless communication circuit4442 could be for example the wireless communication circuit 3726 ofFIG. 37 for example. A communication port 4440, which may be a USB portor a port for receiving another type of memory card, such as an SD card,may be implemented on the power adapter, and may receive any type ofinformation, such as operational information, timing patterns forturning the device controlled by the power adaptor on or off, or otherdata that is beneficial in implementing the operation of the controlattachment. A timing pattern may include for example on and off timesfor a timing feature of the modular power adapter. While the USB port isshown on the power adapter, it should be understood that a USB portcould instead be implemented on the control attachment, or implementedon the control attachment in addition to a USB port on the poweradapter. An electrical interface, which may correspond to one of theelectrical interfaces (e.g. electrical interface 713 of FIG. 7)described above may also be implemented. An electrical interface 4444comprises contact elements 4446 for receiving reference voltages, suchas ground and power signals providing current to a load, are alsoprovided on the power adapter, as described above. While contactelements comprising screws are shown, contact elements comprising wiresadapted to be coupled to wires in a junction box could also beimplemented.

The control attachment 104 may comprise a rear portion 4450 that isinserted into the recess 4426. The various interfaces of the controlattachment align with the corresponding interfaces of the power adapterto enable the communication of at least one of control signals and powerbetween the power adapter and the control attachment. The wall plate4459 can be attached to the power adapter using holes 4464, where theholes receive screws that can be inserted into threaded portions 4434 ofthe flanges 4432.

The dimensions of the various elements of modular power adapter areselected to enable the modular power adapter to be attached to ajunction box, such as a conventional residential junction box.Therefore, the width w_(s) of the power adapter may be selected to beless than the width of a conventional residential junction box, and theheight h_(s) may be selected to be less than the height of aconventional residential junction box. A depth ds of the recess 4426 isalso selected to ensure that, when the control attachment is attached tothe power adapter, the contact elements of the communication portsprovide an adequate electrical connection to enable the transfer of datasignals and/or power signals (e.g. provide adequate pressure betweencontacts and contact pads will enable an electrical connection). Also,the dimensions of back portion 4450 of the control attachment has awidth w_(c) and a height h_(c) that are just slightly less that thewidth w_(s) and the height h_(s) to ensure that the control attachmentfits into and aligns with the power adapter (or the width and height ofthe recess 4426 if the power adapter comprises a recess).

The dimensions of a front portion 4454 are also selected to extendthrough opening 4462 in a wall plate, and ensure that the edges of theopening of the wall plate cover the flange 4455 of the controlattachment. The connector element 4458 is adapted to be secured to acorresponding connector element 4430 of the power adapter 102. The edges4460 define opening 4462. Because the height h_(p) and the width w_(p)of the opening 4462 are slightly greater that the height h_(c)′ and thewidth w_(c)′ of the front portion 4454′, the front portion 4454 canextend through the opening 4462, where the edges 4460 of the opening4462 will generally cover the flange 4452. Outer edges 4459 and 4460 ofthe wall plate extend beyond the perimeter of the junction box to coverthe junction box.

Alternatively, the control attachment 104 may be implemented without theflange 4455 to enable the control attachment to be inserted and removedwhile the wall plate is in place. According to one implementation, thecontrol attachment may be implemented in a ski-boot arrangement. Forexample, a flange 4456 (shown by the dashed line) may be implemented asattachment element for the bottom of the recess (i.e. in place of theattachment element 4430 as shown at the bottom), and may be adapted toreceive a corresponding flange 4455. That is, for an implementation of acontrol attachment 104 that is adapted to be inserted or removed throughan opening of a wall plate, the flange 4455 can be inserted through theopening and behind the flange 4456, and then the attachment element 4458at the top of the control attachment can be coupled to the attachmentelement 4430. The attachment elements at the top of the controlattachment and power adapter could be implemented as described inreference to FIG. 49. It should be understood that the power adapter 102and control attachment 104 of FIG. 4 could be implemented as any of thepower adapters or control attachments as described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 45, a front view of the power adapter arrangementand wall plate of FIG. 44 when combined is shown. According to theimplementation of FIG. of 45, a power adapter arrangement based upon thecontrol attachment of FIG. 18 (where the control attachment can beremoved when the wall plate is attached to the power adapter) is shownwhen a wall plate is attached to the power adapter. As can be seen, thewall plates 4502 comprises holes 4504 for receiving screws to attach thewall plate to the power adapter. As is apparent in FIG. 45, theattachment elements 1816 and 1818 are exposed through the hole in thewall plate, and the control attachment can be removed.

According to the implementation of FIG. 46, the control attachment isbased upon the control attachment of FIG. 17, where the attachmentelements are not exposed through the opening of the wall plates 4602,and therefore the wall plate must be removed to insert or remove thecontrol attachment. As also shown, there are no holes for receivingscrews to attach the wall plate to the power adapter. Rather, anintermediate wall plate 4604 that may be attached to the power adapterby way of openings 4606 is implemented, where attachment elements 4608are configured to be attached to corresponding attachment elements ofthe wall plate 4602, eliminating the requirement for screws, which canbe unsightly.

Turning now to FIG. 47, a side view of a portion of attachment elementsof a power adapter and a corresponding control attachment that may belocated behind a wall plate (shown in dashed lines), where theattachment element of the power adapted is on a back wall of the poweradapter, is shown. More particularly, a flange 4702 extending from aprojection 4704 enables an attachment element of the control attachmentto be coupled to the flange. For example, a body portion 4706 of anattachment element of the control attachment comprises an attachmentelement actuator 4708 that moves about a hinge 4709 so that anattachment element 4710 having a projection 4712 with beveled edges canengage with the flange 4702 (i.e. be positioned behind the flange 4702to secure the control attachment to the power adapter). For example, auser of the control attachment can move the projection 4712 using theattachment element actuator 4708 to cause the attachment element 4710 torotate and the projection 4712 to disengage from the flange 4702. Thewall plate can then be attached, covering the attachment element of thecontrol attachment.

Turning now to FIG. 48, another side view of a portion of an attachmentelement of a power adapter and a corresponding control attachment thatmay be located behind a wall plate (shown in dashed lines), where theattachment element of the power adapted is on a side wall of the poweradapter, is shown. According to the implementation of FIG. 48, a bodyportion 4802 comprises an attachment element actuator 4804 that ismovable by way of a leaf spring portion 4806. When the attachmentelement actuator 4804 is moved away from the top of the wall 1502 of thecontrol attachment, a projection 4808 having beveled edges is removedfrom a recess 4810 in an end portion 4812 of the power adapter, enablingthe control attachment 104 to be removed from the power adapter 102. Asis apparent from FIGS. 47 and 48, the wall plate, as shown in dashedlines, would have to be removed to be able to access the attachmentelements and therefore remove or detach the control attachment from thepower adapter.

However, according to the implementation of FIG. 49, which shows a sideview of a portion of attachment elements of a power adapter and acorresponding control attachment that may be accessible through a recessin a wall plate, the control attachment can be removed without removingthe wall plate (shown in dashed lines). More particularly, an attachmentelement 4901 is movable within the control attachment, and can be movedso that the control attachment clears an end wall 4902 of the controlattachment, allowing the control attachment to be removed with the wallplate in place. The control attachment comprises a projection 4903 thatextends through an opening 4904 in the end wall 4902, and extends to aterminal end 4905 that is adapted to being received by the attachmentelement of the power adapter (shown here by way of example as a recess4810 in the side wall of recess 1503) of the power adapter. The actuatorelement 4901 is movable within a recess 4908. A rod 4910 is configuredto receive a spring 4912, where the rod extends into a shaft 4914 of theattachment element 4901.

As can be seen in FIG. 49, the spring loaded arrangement comprising theattachment element 4901, the rod 4910 and spring 4912 enable bothsecuring the control attachment to the power adapter and allowing thecontrol attachment to be removed with the wall plate in place. That is,when the attachment element 4901 is moved towards the wall 4916 of thecontrol attachment, compressing the spring, the terminal end 4905 wouldextend into the opening 4904, allowing the control attachment to beremoved by clearing the wall plate.

It should be noted that the embodiments o FIGS. 48 and 49 use the sameattachment element for the power adapter. That is, according to theimplementations of FIGS. 48 and 49 using the same power adapter, a userof the power adapter could install a control attachment that can beremoved when the wall plate is in place, or could install a controlattachment that can only be removed when the wall plate is removed. Sucha feature provides flexibility for not only a user of the power adapter,but also for builders who may be installing the power adapters. That is,the builder can install a single power adapter in all locations for anytype of structure, and install the desired control attachment that meetsthe needs of the user, including control attachments that can be removedwith a wall plate in place, or only when the wall plate is removed.While examples of a control attachment having a leaf spring and having ahelical spring are shown, it should be understood that any type ofcontrol attachment could be used. For example, control attachmentarrangements could be implemented where a movable element on either thepower adapter or the control attachment could be moved to couple anattachment element of the other of the power adapter or the controlattachment. Alternatively, the control attachment may be coupled to thepower adapter using only friction, particularly where a portion ofcontrol attachment is located behind the wall plate.

Various control attachments are shown in FIGS. 50-64. While the controlattachments are shown by way of example, it should be understood thatother control attachments could be implemented, or various features inthe different control attachments could be combined or changed asdesired. While specific examples of power adapter arrangements,including interfaces on both a power adapter and a control attachment aswill be described in more detail below, are shown, it should beunderstood that both input elements and output elements may include avariety of features. Input devices may include any type of interface forproviding information to or controlling, directly or indirectly, eitherthe power adapter or the control attachment, where an input from theuser can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactileinput. Feedback elements may also be used to provide for interactionwith a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can beany form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback,or tactile feedback).

Turning first to FIG. 50, a rear view of a control attachment is shown,where a control circuit 5002, which made comprise a wireless controlcircuit for example is included. A button 5004, which may be a resetbutton or a button for pairing the control attachment with the poweradapter, is included. While a single button is shown by way of example,it should be understood that multiple buttons could be included forperforming different functions, such as a reset function or pairingfunction. An electrical interface 5006 may also be included to enablethe communication of signals between the control attachment and a poweradapter, as described above.

Examples of interface elements on the front of the control attachmentare now shown. A front view of a power adapter of FIG. 51 has a toggleelement 5102, such as a paddle toggle element for example, and a dimmercontrol element 5104 that is movable within a guide 5106. An interfaceelement 5108 could also be included, and may include an input elementssuch as a connector or an output element such as a status indicator,such as an LED.

Turning now to FIG. 52, a front view of a power adapter having a toggleelement, a microphone and a speaker is shown. More particularly, atoggle button 5202 (also known as an on/off switch), which may have astatus indicator 5204, such as an LED light, are also included. Thecontrol attachment may also include a microphone 5206 and a speaker5208, enabling the control attachment to function as a smart speaker,such a smart speaker that may be adapted to operate according to a smartspeaker protocol from Amazon, Inc. (using the Alexa brand protocol),Alphabet Inc. (using the Google Home brand protocol) or Apple, Inc.(using the Apple Home brand protocol) for example.

Turning now to FIG. 53, another front view of a power adapter having atoggle element and a dimmer control element is shown. According to theimplementation of FIG. 53, a control attachment having dimmerfunctionality comprises a toggle element 5302 that may comprise a statusLED 5304. A movable dimmer controller 5306 that is movable within aguide 5308 is also included.

Turning now to FIG. 54, a front view of a power adapter having a toggleelement and a sensor is shown. According to the implementation of FIG.54, in addition to a toggle button 5202, a sensor 5402 could be includedon a front surface. A sensor as used herein may refer to, but is notlimited to, a transducer providing an electrical output generated independence upon a magnitude of a measure and selected from the groupcomprising, but is not limited to, environmental sensors, biologicalsensors, chemical sensors, ambient environment sensors, positionsensors, motion sensors, thermal sensors, infrared sensors, RFIDsensors, a light sensor, a microphone, a camera, a thermometer, ahumidity sensor, a smoke detector, and an air quality sensor, such asfor carbon monoxide.

By way of example, the sensor 5402 could comprise a sensor for detectionmotion, such as a camera or a motion detector. Power could be applied tothe load in response to the detection of motion, and the application ofpower could be overwritten by the toggle button 5202. Alternatively,when a sensor comprising a camera is activated in response to motion,and the camera could record activities within range of the camera aftermotion is detected.

According to some implementations, for a control attachment configuredto detect motion in a room, the sensor device can include one or more ofpassive sensors (e.g., passive infrared (PIR) sensor), active sensors(e.g., microwave (MW) sensor, ultrasonic sensors etc.) and hybridsensors that include both passive and active sensor (e.g., DualTechnology Motion sensors). The passive sensors do not emit any energyand detect changes in energy of the surrounding. For example, a PIRsensor can detect infrared energy emitted by the human body (due to thetemperature associated with the human body). In contrast, active sensorsmay emit electromagnetic or sonic pulses and detect the reflectionthereof. For example, MW sensor emits a microwave pulse and detects itsreflection. Hybrid sensors can include both active and passive sensorsand therefore motion can be sensed both actively and passively (hybridsensing). Hybrid sensing can have several advantages. For example, theprobability of false positive detection of motion can be smaller inhybrid sensors compared to active/passive sensors. Data associated witha motion sensor can be used to indicate that motion has been detected inan area proximal to a load comprising a light, for example. The detectedmotion can be used to turn on a light controlled by the power adapter.According to some implementations, the power adapter may use thedetected motion for providing a security feature, and may provide powerto the load for a predetermined period of time, such as to deter anintruder or provide light outside a home in the event that an individualis detected outside the home.

Turning now to FIG. 55, a front view of a power adapter having a toggleelement and a display is shown. More particularly, the controlattachment of FIG. 55 comprises a display 5502. In addition to themicrophone 5206 in the speaker 5208, the display 5502 can provideadditional information to a user.

Any of the exemplary control attachments of FIGS. 50-55 may comprise awireless circuit for receiving control signals or for acting as a WIFIextender or implemented as a WiFi mesh node in a WiFi mesh arrangementor a Bluetooth mesh node in a Bluetooth mesh arrangement. A controlattachment may also be configured as a network extender or networkrepeater, as will be described in more detail below in reference to FIG.85.

Turning now to FIG. 56, a front plan view of a control attachment havingdedicated on and off switches and a sensor element that may be removableis shown. According to the implementation of FIG. 56, a power adapterhaving 2 toggle elements 5602 and 5604 (e.g. an on toggle switch on topand an off toggle switch on bottom) are movable within a gap 5606 andcan be implemented with a sensor module 5608 (also known as an insert)that not only controls operation of a load controlled by a power adapterarrangement, but also may comprise a sensor element, such as one or moreof a camera, motion detector or any sensor as described above beneficialto a home automation system. The outputs of the sensor may be used notonly to control the application of power to the load or control someother operation of the load, but also can provide information to otherelements of a system implementing a power adapter arrangement having acontrol attachment as shown in FIG. 56.

While an example of the control attachments of FIGS. 56-64 describe acamera or motion detector by way of example, it should be understoodthat any sensors as described above could be used to transmit or receiveinformation that may be beneficial in any aspect of a home automationsystem for example. According to some implementations, the sensor module5608 may include a microphone and a speaker for detecting commands,questions, or other inputs and providing audio feedback, such as iscommonly performed by smart speakers as mentioned above. Theimplementations of FIGS. 56-64 provide another example of power adapterarrangement having a power adapter and a control attachment, where thecontrol attachment is implemented as a modular element of the poweradapter arrangement.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 57, actuator elements 5702 and 5704are included to enable on and off functionality using the toggleelements 5602 and 5604. A front and side view of the control attachmentof FIG. 56 is shown in FIG. 58.

Turning now to FIG. 59, a front and side view of the control attachmentof FIG. 56 without the removable sensor element shows contact theelements in a recess 5902. As shown in FIG. 59, an electrical interfaceelement 5904, such as a connector or contact block having a plurality ofcontact elements 5906, comprises contact elements provided on a rearsurface of a recess adapted to receive the sensor module 5608, which maybe a sensor module for example. The contact elements may transfer dataand other signals between the control attachment and the power adapter.That is, the contact elements may provide signals to circuits of thecontrol attachment 104, or may provide signals directly to the poweradapter by way of contacts of the power adapter.

Turning now to FIG. 60, a rear view of the removable sensor module 5608shows contact elements, and particularly a rear surface 6002 having anelectrical interface element 6004 comprising contact elements 6006.Signals can be transmitted between the sensor module 5608 and the poweradapter. According to another implementation, an opening could beprovided in the rear surface of the control attachment to enable thecontact elements of the sensor module make a direct connection tocorresponding contact elements of the power adapter as described abovein reference to FIG. 30.

Turning now to FIG. 61, a front and side view of a sensor module 5608having a removable screen 6102 is shown. In addition to a sensor 6106,which may comprise a camera or motion detector for example, theremovable sensor module may also comprise control elements adapted tocontrol settings of the sensor module, as shown by way of example as amovable element 6108 that is movable in a guide 6110. For example, thecontrol element may control a sensitivity setting of a motion detectoror camera or any other sensing element. The removable screen may betinted or otherwise opaque to obscure the sensor and the controlelements (if possible, without affecting the operation of the sensor).Attachment elements 6112 on the sides of the sensor module 5608 may becoupled to corresponding attachment elements 6114.

Turning now to FIG. 62, a front and side view of a control attachmenthaving a removable screen exposing a camera that is movable within areceiving element and shown directed to the left is shown. According tothe implementations of FIGS. 62 and 63, the sensor element 6202 may bemovable within an opening 6204 to improve the operation of the controlattachment. For example, the power adapter arrangement may be placed ina location of a room where it may be beneficial when the sensor element,such as a camera or motion detector, is directed towards a certainlocation, such as towards a door or window for example. Even in theevent that a sensor is used for detecting a wide area of a room, it maybe beneficial to be able to adjust the direction or orientation of thesensor when the power adapter arrangement is on a wall switch locationthat may be on a side of a room rather than near the center of the room.A front and side view of a control attachment having a removable screenof FIG. 62 shows the camera directed to the right in FIG. 63.

Turning now to FIG. 64, a front inside view of a control attachmenthaving a movable screen to enable controlling a direction of a sensor,such as a camera, by moving the screen is shown. The implementation ofFIG. 64 enables the simple adjustment of the orientation or direction ofa camera or sensor by adjusting the screen itself. That is, the sensormay be attached to the screen, where the screen can be rotated toprovide a desired orientation. The screen may be tinted or opaque toobscure the presence of the sensor, as shown in FIG. 64 where the sensor6402 is lightly shaded to indicate the opaque nature of the screen.Because it may be difficult to see the direction or orientation of thesensor, a marker 6204 may be provided to enable the orientation of thesensor to easily be determined. While the screen as shown in FIG. 64enables a horizontal adjustment of the sensor, it should be understoodthat the screen could be adjusted in any orientation, where the screenmay be a ball that swivels to provide both horizontal and verticaladjustments.

While various control attachments are shown, it should be understoodthat functionality of the control attachment may be distributed betweenthe main portion of the control attachment and the removable sensormodule, or completely located in the removable sensor module.

Groups of figures are now provided that show arrangements of interfaces,including for example electrical interfaces, mechanical interfaces, andelectromechanical interfaces. FIGS. 65-67 show a single interface forproviding signals to the power adapter from the control attachment,where the single interface comprises an electrical interface for a basiccontrol attachment having no dimming control, where on and off signalsare generated in response to a user actuation. FIGS. 68-70 also shows asingle interface comprising an electrical interface, where a dimmercontrol signal may be generated in response to a user actuation on thecontrol actuator or from a control circuit or control module. FIGS.71-73 show multiple interfaces, including at least a mechanical orelectro-mechanical interface and an electrical interface, where an on oroff signal may be generated in response to a user actuation of a toggleelement of the control attachment, and other signals may be sent by wayof an electrical interface. FIGS. 74-76 also show multiple interfaces,but includes 2 mechanical or electro-mechanical interfaces and anelectrical interface, where an on or off signal may be generated inresponse to a user actuation of a toggle element using the 2 mechanicalor electro-mechanical interfaces, and other signals may be sent by wayof an electrical interface.

Turning first to FIGS. 65-67, FIG. 65 shows a diagram of a controlattachment having contact elements for electrically connecting contactsof an electrical interface. According to the implementation of FIGS.65-67, a single toggle element is used, where a detection of a toggleactuation may be detected by the shorting of two contacts on a rearsurface of the control attachment. In the event that the controlattachment is used with a power adapter having dimmer functionality, butthe control attachment does not have a dimmer control, the dimmercontact of the control attachment can be pulled high so that the poweradapter controls the load at a maximum output.

An expanded view of the control attachment of FIG. 65 comprises a rearhousing 6502 and a front housing 6504 that are coupled together, andshows the outer surface of the rear housing 6502 and the inner surfaceof the front housing 6504. For example, the front housing and the rearhousing may be snapped together using attachment elements, gluedtogether, thermally bonded, or attached using any type of attachmentelements or attachment process. The rear housing 6506 comprises a dimmercontrol channel 6506 that provides an opening for allowing a dimmercontrol element to move within the dimmer control channel and control acorresponding dimmer control element of the power adapted, such as thedimmer control element 1526 of FIG. 15.

The rear housing also comprises an electrical interconnect element 6508,which may be a connector or a contact block for example, having aplurality of contact elements adapted to make an electrical connectionwith corresponding contact elements of a power adapter. An exemplaryarrangement of contact elements of the electrical interconnect element6508 is shown in the dashed oval. More particularly, seven contactelements are shown, including a neutral contact element 6510 forproviding a neutral voltage signal from the power adapter to the controlattachment, a ground contact element 6512 for providing a ground voltagesignal from the power adapter to the control attachment, an on/off (1/0)contact element 6514 for providing an on signal or an off signal fromthe control attachment to the power adapter, a power contact element6516 for providing a low power voltage signal (e.g. approximately 3-5volts) to the control attachment for providing power for electriccircuits that may be implemented in the control attachment.

The on/off contact element 6514 and the power contact element 6516 maybe positioned next to each other as a contact element pair 6518 so thatthey can be easily shorted, such as by a contact element on a toggleelement of the control attachment.

The electrical interface element 6508 may also comprise a dimmingcontact element 6520 for receiving a dimmer control signal from a dimmercontrol circuit of the control attachment. According to theimplementation of FIG. 65, which is a basic control attachment having nodimming capability, the dimming contact element 6520 is coupled to thepower contact element 6516, such as by a metal trace 5626 or jumper, toprovide a high voltage signal to the corresponding dimming contactelement of the power adapter. That is, if the power adapter has dimmingcapability, but the control attachment does not provide dimming control,it would be beneficial to pull the dimmer control signal high so thatthe full amount of power would be provided to the load.

Control contact elements 6522 and 6524 could also be included totransmit signals, such as control signals, between the controlattachment and the power adapter. While specific contact elements areshown in the example electrical interconnect element 6508 of FIG. 65, itshould be understood that fewer contact elements, additional contactelements, or different contact elements could be implemented. Forexample, any number of contact elements could be used for transmittingcontrol signals or other data, as will be described in more detailbelow.

The front housing 6504, the inside portion of which is shown in FIG. 65,could include various elements enabling the operation of the controlattachment. More particularly, a toggle element 6532 is positionedwithin a gap 6534 and coupled to the front housing 6504 by hingeelements 6536. A spring element 6538 enables the toggle element to beheld in a first position or a second position, as describe above. Thatis, the spring element 6538 may be configured to hold the toggle element6532 in either first position where the ground contact 6512 and contactelement 6514 are not shorted, and a second position where the groundcontact 6512 and contact element 6514 are shorted, as described above inreference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

More particularly, a contact element 6540 comprises a receiving element6542 for receiving a contact portion 6544, which comprises a conductiveelement. The contact portion 6544 may be used too short two of thecontacts of the electrical interface 6508, such as the ground contact6512 and on/off contact element 6514 to enable providing an off signalto the power adapter (where an on signal is generated when the groundcontact 6512 and on/off contact element 6514 are not shorted).Attachment elements 6546, shown here by way of example on four cornersof the front housing 6504, may be used to attach the front house in 6504to the rear housing 6502. A dimmer control channel 6548 may also beincluded and is adapted to receive a movable dimmer control element 6550for engaging with a corresponding dimmer control element of the poweradapter, as described above in reference to FIG. 15.

Turning now to FIG. 66, a diagram shows an inner surface of a rearhousing and an outer surface of the front housing of the controlattachment of FIG. 65. More particularly, an inner surface 6602comprises an area 6604 that is adapted to receive a circuit board orcontrol module, as will be described in more detail below. In expandedview of a portion of the electrical interface 6508 is shown in thedashed oval, where a contact element 6606 and a contact element 6608 areprovided to enable shorting of the context elements by the contactportion 6544. Also shown in FIG. 66 is the jumper 6526 that couples thedimming contact element 6520 to the power contact element 6516, asdescribed above.

It should be noted that the control attachment 104 of FIGS. 65 and 66are adaptable such that the same front housing and rear housing can beused in basic control attachments having no circuit board or circuitmodule as shown in FIG. 66, but can be adapted to retain a circuit boardor circuit module, and therefore be implemented as a smart controlattachment. For example, a circuit board or circuit module can beattached to the inner surface 6602 of the rear housing 6502, where thefront housing 6504 is then attached to the rear housing 6502. Such anarrangement would achieve economies of scale for production of thecontrol attachment and enabling different types of control attachmentsto be easily assembled and used in a power adapter arrangement.

Turning now to FIG. 67, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement6700 using a control attachment according to the implementation of FIGS.65 and 66 is shown, where the block diagram of FIG. 67 shows an exampleof an electrical interface 6702 having connectors or contact blocks eachhaving contact elements that enable the communication of signals betweenthe control attachment in the power adapter. According to theimplementation of FIG. 67, a single electrical interfaces provided,namely a first electrical interface 6702 associated with the controlattachment and a second electrical interface 6704 associated with thepower adapter.

A neutral contact element 6706 is adapted to be electrically coupled toneutral contact element 6510. A ground contact element 6708 is adaptedto be electrically coupled to ground contact element 6512. A togglecontact element 6710 (e.g. on/off (1/0) contact element) is adapted tobe electrically coupled to contact element 6514 (e.g. on/off (1/0)contact element). A power contact element 6712 (e.g. lowvoltage—approximately 5 volts) is adapted to be electrically coupled toa corresponding power contact 6516 to receive a low voltage referencepower signal. A dimmer contact element 6714 is adapted to beelectrically coupled to dimmer contact 6520. A signal contact element6716 (e.g. first control signal) is adapted to be electrically coupledto control contact element 6522 (e.g. for a first control signal).Signal contact element 6718 (e.g. second control signal) is adapted tobe electrically coupled to control contact element 6524 (e.g. secondcontrol signal). While there are no electrical connections to some ofthe contact elements, such as the neutral and ground contact theelements or the signal contact elements (because the control attachmentdoes not comprise a control circuit for example), other embodiments ofthe control attachment will include electrical connections to thecontact elements of the control attachment to enable in operation of thecontrol attachment, as will be described in more detail below.

An on or off signal is provided in response to a manual actuation, asshown by contact portion 6544 which could be used to short the contactelement 6514 with the power contact element 6516. Also shown in thearrangement of FIG. 67 is the shorting of the dimmer contact 6520 to thepower contact element 6516. Each of the electrical interfaces 6702 and6704 may comprise connectors having contact elements that areelectrically coupled together when the control attachment is attached tothe power adapter for example, or may just comprise contact elementsthat will make an electrical contact when the control attachment isattached to the power adapter. That is, it is not necessary that theelectrical interfaces of the control attachment and power adapter arenecessarily connectors that are adapted to mate with one another, butrather may just be contact elements that make electrical contacts whenthe control attachment is attached to the power adapter (e.g. thecontact elements may comprise pogo pins in corresponding contact pads,or just contact pads that will make contact).

According to the implementation of FIG. 67, because the controlattachment does not include dimmer functionality, but the power adapterdoes include dimmer functionality, the dimmer contact element 6520 ispulled high (i.e. coupled to the power contact element 6516) to receivethe power signal as an input to the control circuit 118. Therefore, thepower adapter will apply full power to the load, and the only controlsignal for controlling power applied to the load would be the signalgenerated at the toggle contact 6710.

Turning now to FIG. 68, a diagram of another control attachment having aswitch and an electrical interface is shown. According to theimplementation of FIGS. 68-70, dimmer functionality can also be providedon the control attachment. As shown in FIG. 67, a dimmer control channel6802 is adapted to receive a dimmer control element 6804. The dimmercontrol element 6804 is movable to select a dimmer setting and isadapted to be coupled to and to control a corresponding dimmer controlelement of a power adapter.

As shown in FIG. 69, which is a diagram showing an inner surface of arear housing of the control attachment of 68, the dimmer contact element6520 is coupled to receive a dimmer control signal V_(dim) by way of asignal line 6902. The V_(dim) signal may be generated by a circuitwithin control attachment. For example, a resistor divider circuitadapted to receive the power and neutral signals from the power adaptermay be configured to generate the dimmer control signal V_(dim), whichis provided back to the power adapter to control the power to the load,as will be described in reference to FIG. 70. Rather than controllingthe motion of a corresponding dimmer control element of the poweradapter, the V_(dim) value may be generated by movement of the dimmercontrol element 6804 which would control a resistance of a variableresistor and therefore the V_(dim) value.

Turning now to FIG. 70, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangementusing a control attachment according to the implementation of FIG. 68 isshown. According to the implementation of FIG. 70, a control circuit7002 is coupled the power contact element 6516 and the ground contact6512, and is configured to provide the dimmer control voltage V_(dim) tothe control circuit 118 by way of the contact element 6520. The dimmercontrol voltage could be generated by the control circuit 7002 inresponse to one or both of a user actuation or a signal received from anexternal device, such as a smart phone or other computer device. Forexample, the control circuit 7002 could comprise a resistor dividercircuit (i.e. a variable resistor) that generates the dimmer controlvoltage. Alternatively, or in addition to the resistor divider circuit,the control circuit 7002 may comprise a wireless transceiver thatreceives dimming signals from an external device.

Turning now to FIGS. 71 and 72, diagrams of another control attachmenthaving an actuator element are shown. According to the implementation ofFIGS. 71-73, an actuator element is adapted to control a switch inresponse to a manual actuator input, such as the pressing of a toggleelement of the front housing of the control attachment. For example, theswitch may be associated with the power adapter, and an actuator element7102, which may be a projection extending from the toggle element, canextend to or through a rear housing of the control attachment, such asthrough an aperture 7104, to enable the actuation of a switch on thepower adapter. While the implementation of FIGS. 71-73 shows anarrangement where the actuator element would extend through a recess inthe rear housing, it should be understood that the rear housing could beimplemented as described in FIGS. 81 and 82, where a flexible projectionmay be used to make contact with a switch of the power adapter. That is,there may be one or more intervening elements between the actuatorelement 7102 and the switch on the power adapter, where the one or moreintervening elements enable the actuator element 7102 to indirectlycontrol the switch, such as to generate an on or off signal.

Turning now to FIG. 73, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangementusing a control attachment according to the implementation of FIG. 71 isshown. As shown in FIG. 73, 2 control interfaces are provided, includingthe electrical interfaces 6702 and 6704 as described above, and theinterface between the control attachment and power adapter comprisingthe actuator element 7102 and the aperture 7104, where the actuatorelement 7102 comprises a prong or projection for engaging, directly orindirectly, a switch 7302. The switch may comprise an electro-mechanicalswitch (i.e. comprises a movable element to generate an electricalsignal) used to generate an on or off signal detected by the detector116 to control the power applied to the load. The control attachment mayalso comprise a control circuit 7304, which may comprise a circuit boardor circuit module that is attached to a housing of the controlattachment. The control module may comprise a wireless transceiver forexample, and may receive control signals (e.g. on or off signals anddimming signals) for controlling the operation of the power adapter. Aswill be described in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 80 and 81,the control circuit 7304 may be attached to the rear housing 6502,enabling the front and rear housings of the control attachment to beused in basic control attachments, or advanced control attachments, suchas a control attachment having a control module.

Turning now to FIGS. 74 and 75, a diagram of a control attachment havingtwo actuator elements is shown. That is, rather than having a singleactuator element for enabling generating on and off control signals, thecontrol attachment of FIGS. 74 and 75 include 2 actuator elements, whereone may be used for generating an on signal and the other may be usedfor generating an off signal. For example, the actuator element 7102 maybe used for generating an on signal in response to a pressing of a topportion of the toggle element, while an actuator element 7402 may beused for generating an off signal in response to a pressing of thebottom portion of the toggle element, where the actuator element 7402may directly or indirectly engage with a second switch of the poweradapter, such as through an aperture 7104 or by way of intermediateelements between the actuator element 7402 and the second switch 7602 asdescribed in reference to FIG. 76.

Turning now to FIG. 76, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangementusing a control attachment according to the implementation of FIG. 74 isshown. As shown in FIG. 76, in addition to a switch 7302 that is adaptedto receive a manual on signal in response to movement of the actuatorelement 7102, a second switch 7602 may be implemented on the poweradapter, where the second switch 7602 may be an electro-mechanicalswitch configured to receive a manual off signal in response to themovement of the actuator element 7402.

Turning now to FIG. 77, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangementshows an example of a portion of the signal interface circuit 114. Moreparticularly, the signal interface circuit 114 of FIG. 77 comprisescircuit elements that enable the detection of both an on or off signalgenerated by a manual input or an on or off signal received by orgenerated by a control circuit. That is, the circuit of FIG. 77 isintended to show a circuit that enables different types of controlssignals being provided to the control attachment. The control attachmentmay comprise a switch 7702 having a switching element 7704 adapted toreceive a manual input, where an output signal generated (e.g. a highoutput generated by the switch 7702 when the switch element 7704 isclosed) In response to the manual input, a change-of-state (COS) circuit7706 will detect when a manual input (e.g. a pressing of the toggleelement) is received on the control attachment. An output of the COScircuit 7706 is provided to a first input of a selection circuit 7708,shown here by way of as a multiplexer. A receiver circuit 7710, havingan antenna 7711, is adapted to receive control signals, such as on andoff signals or dimming signals, where the receiver circuit provides acontrol signal to a toggle logic circuit 7712. That is, the toggle logiccircuits 7712 is adapted to receive both the output of the COS circuit7706 and an electronic input by way of the receiver 7710 (e.g. a signalindicating a change in the on or off state from the wireless receiver ora control circuit of the control attachment that may be applying atiming pattern for example).

A decoder circuit 7714 is configured to receive control signals, such asfirst and second control signals as shown, and generate an enable signalthat is coupled to a control terminal 7716 of the multiplexer. That is,the decoder 7714 may determine the type of control attachment, andselect the output of the COS circuit 7706 if the control attachment doesnot have having a control circuit or wireless receiver that may providea toggle signal, or select the output of the toggle logic 7712 if thecontrol attachment comprises a control circuit or wireless receiver thatmay provide a toggle signal. The toggle logic circuit will receive boththe output of the COS circuit and the electronic input to generate thepower control signal. An output of the selection circuit 7718 maycomprise a power control signal that is provide to a register 7718,shown here by way of example as a flip-flop, an output of which isprovided to the power control circuit 105. Because there is a singlemanual actuator, which may be implemented as described in reference toFIGS. 22-25 and FIGS. 65-73, the state of the switch controlling powerto the load may be changed whenever a toggle signal is detected, as willbe described in more detail in reference to FIG. 78.

Turning now to FIG. 78, a flow diagram shows a method of implementing apower adapter arrangement having a single toggle switch. After themethod is started at a block 7802, it is determined whether the controlattachment is authenticated at a block 7804. If not, a low enable signalwould be generated by the decoder 7714 at a block 7806, therebyselecting the output of the COS circuit 7706 at a block 7808. That is,if the control attachment is not authenticated (or is a basic controlattachment that does not have a control circuit), the power adapter willstill be able to receive control signals from the control attachmentbased upon manual inputs (such as a manual toggle detected by a switchof the power adapter). It is then determined whether a change of statehas occurred in a block 7810. If so, is change of state of the powercontrol signal is performed, such as by the signal interface circuit114, at a block 7812. Therefore, the control attachment will continue tooperate as a “dumb” control attachment, where the power adapter respondsto manual toggle signals (or manual dimmer control signals if both thepower adapter and the control attachment are configured to receivemanual dimmer control signals).

If the control attachment is authenticated at the block 7804, a highenable signal is generated at a block 7814, where both the manual inputsand the electronic inputs can be monitored at a block 7816, such as bythe toggle logic circuit 7712. It is then determined whether a togglesignal is received at a block 7818. If so, the power control signal maybe changed to indicate a change of state of the power to the load at ablock 7820. It should be understood that detecting whether a togglesignal is received at the block 7818 may be based upon either the manualinput detected by the COS circuit 7706, or in response to a signalreceived by the receiver circuit 7710 (or based upon a toggle signalthat is provided as an electronic input to the toggle logic 7712 basedupon a timing pattern stored in the control attachment or stored in thepower adapter).

For example, when using a control attachment having a toggle elementthat stays in a fixed position after the top or bottom of the tangleelement is pressed, the toggle logic will determine that the userintends to change the state when the toggle element is pressed. That is,because a user will know that, even if the bottom of the title elementis flush with the control attachment, the top of the toggle element mustbe pressed to change the state, as is commonly the case with the use ofa 3 way switch for example. In contrast, when implementing a toggleelement that returns to a steady state position (i.e. will always returnto a center position whether the top of the toggle element or the bottomof the toggle element is pressed), the interface circuit may considerthe pressing of the top of the toggle element to be an indication thatthe user intends to apply power to the load or the pressing of thebottom of the toggle element to be an indication that the user intendsto turn off power to the load, as will be described in more detail belowin reference to FIGS. 79 and 80.

Turning now to FIG. 79, another block diagram of a power adapterarrangement showing an example of an interface circuit is shown.According to the implementation of FIG. 79, 2 separate switches areprovided. More particularly, a switch 7902 has a switch element 7904 isthat is adapted to receive an on manual input signal, such as thepressing of the top of a toggle element, and a switch 7906 has a switchelement 7908 is that is adapted to receive an off manual input signal,such as the pressing of the bottom of the toggle element. Comparatorlogic 7912 may be implemented to detect a change of state that may bedesired by a user. That is, the comparator logic may be used to detectwhether power is currently being applied to a load, and whether theselection of the top of a toggle element is intended to change thatstate, or to detect whether power is not currently being applied to aload, and whether the selection of the bottom of a toggle element isintended to change that state, as will be described in more detail inreference to FIG. 80. That is, because the state of power applied to theload may be controlled by additional inputs other than the toggleelement (e.g. an input associated with a wireless signal or a signalassociated with a timing pattern generated by a control circuit of thecontrol attachment or the power adapter), it may be necessary todetermine whether a user actually intends to change the state of powerapplied to the load.

Turning now to FIG. 80, a flow diagram shows a method of implementing apower adapter arrangement having two toggle switches of FIG. 79. Afterthe process is started at a block 8002, such as when the controlattachment is attached to the power adapter, it is determined whether anon button is detected (e.g. pressing the top portion of the toggleelement) at a block 8004. If so, it is determined whether power isalready applied to the device controlled by the switch (i.e. the load)at a block 8006. If not, power is applied to the device controlled bythe switch of the power adapter at a block 8008. However, if power isalready applied to the device controlled by the switch, the poweradapter will continue to apply power to the switch at these step 8010.Similarly, if the off button (e.g. pressing the bottom portion of thetoggle element) is detected any block 8014, it is determined whetherpower is already applied to the device controlled by the switch at ablock 8016. If so, power is removed from the device controlled by theswitch of the power adapter at a block 8018. Otherwise, the currentstate of no power being applied to the load by the switch is maintainedat a blocked 8020.

Turning now to FIGS. 81 and 82, expanded diagrams show an example of acontrol attachment, and more particularly, a flexible arrangement thatallows common components (i.e. the same components over multipledevices) to be used in a range of different control attachments. Theimplementations of FIGS. 81 and 82 show another aspect of a modularcontrol attachment, where a circuit board or control module isimplemented inside the control attachment. As will be described in moredetail below, the control attachment of FIGS. 81 and 82 may beimplemented as a modular control attachment, where the controlattachment may receive a circuit board or circuit module or a modulecomprising a connector or contact block. The circuit board or controlmodule may also include or be coupled to a speaker and microphone toenable any aspect of a home automation system.

One beneficial aspect of the implementation of a control attachment ofFIGS. 81 and 82 is that a basic control attachment (i.e. a controlattachment having no control circuit) can be implemented at a low cost,but also converted to an advanced control attachment having a variety offeatures. For example, in some cases, both the front and rear housing ofthe control attachment may be used for both basic and advanced controlattachments. In other cases, the front housing may be different, such asin the case where a speaker and microphone is implemented in the controlattachment, where an opening for the speaker and microphone are providedon the front housing.

A rear housing 8102 is adapted to be coupled to a front housing 8104.The rear housing comprises attachment elements 8106, shown here by wayof example as an aperture that is adapted to receive a correspondingattachment element of the front housing 8104. However, it should beunderstood that other types of attachment elements could be implemented,such as a flange that is adapted to receive a corresponding attachmentelement on the front housing 8104. An opening 8108, is included in therear housing, and may comprise an intermediate actuator element. Thatis, because it may be beneficial to provide an intermediate actuatorelement so that the actuator element of the front housing does not needto extend so far to reach a switch of the power adapter, theintermediate actuator element may enable the actuator element of fronthousing two more easily control the switch of the power adapter.According to the implementation of FIG. 81, a flexible projection 8110extends to an actuator element 8112, which may be a prong for example.The flexible projection acts like a leaf spring, and will move inresponse to a movement of an actuator element of the front housing, suchas in the actuator element on a toggle element. That is, when theactuator element of the front housing is moved towards the poweradapter, the intermediate actuator element 8112 will also move towardthe power adapter, and engage the switch of the power adapter. Accordingto the implementation of FIG. 81, a second intermediate actuator elementmay also be in included, shown here by way of example as an actuatorelement positioned below the electrical interface 6508.

The front housing 8104 comprises a plurality of attachment elements8116. According to the example of FIG. 81, the attachment elements 8116comprise flanges that are adapted to be inserted into the correspondingattachment elements 8106, which are shown as recesses before receivingthe flanges. According to some implementations, the recess is couldenable a user to depress the flanges of the attachment elements 8117 andremove the front housing. Such an arrangement would allow a user toreplace the front housing to change the color of the control attachment(e.g. white or beige). According to other implementations, theattachment elements of the rear housing may receive the flanges of thefront housing, but may not be accessible to the user on the outside ofthe control attachment. An inner surface 8118 of a toggle element thatis movable within a gap 8120 using hinge elements 8122 comprises beingplurality of spring elements 8124, such as leaf springs as shown. Thespring elements enable the toggle element to return to a steady stateposition, as described above in reference to FIGS. 18-21 for example.While leaf springs are shown by way of example, it should be understoodthat any type of spring could be used. Actuator elements 8126 areprovided to control the application of power applied by a power adapterto a load, and may directly engage a switch of the power adapter or mayengage an intermediate actuator as described above.

The diagram of FIG. 82 shows an inner surface of a rear housing of thecontrol attachment, and particularly an arrangement that allowsflexibility in implementing different features in a control attachment,such as implementing a rear housing that is adapted to receive a controlcircuit on a circuit board, or a control module comprising a modulehaving a circuit board, as will be described in more detail below. Aninner surface 8204 comprises wall portions 8206 defining the innersurface in a recess of the rear housing. Attachment elements 8210, suchas an aperture or a flange adapted to receive a corresponding attachmentelements, are shown. The rear housing may also comprise a receivingelement 8212, as shown here by way of example as having walls 8214 fordefining a recess adapted to receive a circuit board or circuit moduleconfigured to implement advanced features of the power adapterarrangement. Attachment elements 8216 of the walls 8214 enable receivingcorresponding attachment elements of a circuit board, a control modulehaving a circuit board, or a cover adapted to enclose a circuit board orcontrol module. According to the implementation of FIG. 82, attachmentelements 8218 are shown here by way of example are threaded portions forreceiving corresponding screws to attach a circuit board 8220 to therear housing using holes 8222. According to some implementations, thecircuit board may comprise a contact 8224 adapted to receive acorresponding contact on a cover for the circuit board that may have aprinted antenna element. More particularly, a cover 8230 may be adaptedto attach to the receiving element 8212, such as by using correspondingattachment elements 8232 that are attached to the attachment elements8216. The contact element 8224 may be coupled by a contact 8234 to anantenna element 8236, which may be a wire for example, or may be aprinted antenna on the cover 8230. Rather than having a circuit boardand cover, a control module may be snapped into the receiving element8212.

Turning now to FIG. 83, a block diagram of a circuit for testing theconnections associated with a power adapter when the contacts of thepower adapter are electrically connected to wires providing power to thepower adapter is shown. The test circuit 8301 comprises circuits forcomparing voltages at the contacts of the power adapter (e.g. contactelements 1516 and 1520 of FIG. 5). According to the implementation ofFIG. 83, one or more comparator circuits are used to compare voltages atthe contacts that receive reference voltages as shown to determinewhether the power adapter is improperly wired or not functioningproperly.

According to one implementation, a first comparator circuit 8302 iscoupled to the load contact (to receive the voltage on the load contact)and coupled to the neutral contact (to receive the voltage on theneutral contact). A second comparator circuit 8304 is coupled to theload contact (to receive the voltage on the load contact) and coupled tothe ground contact (to receive the voltage on the ground contact). Athird comparator circuit 8306 is coupled to the neutral contact (toreceive the voltage on the neutral contact) and coupled to the groundcontact (to receive the voltage on the ground contact). A fourthcomparator circuit 8308 is coupled to the ground contact (to receive thevoltage on the ground contact) and the power contact (to receive avoltage associated with the earth ground). A comparator circuit 8310 mayalso be implemented to compare the neutral contact to power. The switch8311 may be controlled by control signals from the control circuit 8312by way of a control line 8314, while signal lines 8315 maybe be providedfrom the control circuit 8312 to the control circuit 8316. It should benoted that the power contact of the power adapter receiving power signalfrom the building system could also be monitored and compared to othersignals. An improper wiring of the power contact of the power adapterreceiving power signal from the building system may be less important interms of safety, and any issue related to a wiring error associated withthe power contact may have more to do with an operating error. Incontrast, a wiring error where power is coupled to a ground or neutralcontact or a ground or neutral contact is not properly wired may lead toa serious safety condition. Further, monitoring of the load contactwould not only provide voltage information, but would also provideinformation related to the operation of the power adapter arrangement.However, it should also be understood that both the power contact (i.e.line voltage) and the load contact could be monitored. It should benoted that the voltage values detected at the contact elements of thepower adapter from the wires of a junction box may be high voltagevalues, and can be converted to lower value voltages (representing alevel of the detected voltage, but in a lower voltage range) forcomparison, particularly when any comparison is performed in the controlattachment.

The comparator circuits 8302-8310 may comprise voltage comparators forexample. According to other implementations, the comparator circuits maybe adapted to detect currents within the power adapter when the poweradapter is operating to detect abnormal operating conditions of thepower adapter or a device powered by the power adapter, or detect powerusage by a device powered by the power adapter. While comparators8302-8310 are shown by way of example, it should be understood thatadditional comparators could be implemented to compare any voltagedetected at various input nodes (e.g. power, neutral, ground, 3-way,etc.) in the power adapter and generate information that may bebeneficial in determining whether a power adapter is installed correctly(e.g. is correctly wired) or is operating correctly (e.g. is not adefective product). While multiple comparator circuits are shown, itshould be understood that a single comparator could be implemented,where the nodes (e.g. load, neutral, ground and power) could beselectively coupled to a comparator. For example, a switch 8311 coupledto receive voltages at various nodes could enable the selection ofinputs to a single comparator circuit.

A control circuit 8312 may be coupled to the comparators 8302-8310 toreceive output signals generated by the comparators indicating theresults of the various comparisons. By way of example, the comparatorcircuits could generate a difference in the voltages on the linescoupled to the comparator, or could provide a result representative ofthe difference in voltages (such as for high voltage signals). While thecontrol circuit 8312 may be configured to process information andcommunicate test results to reduce the number of signal lines to acontrol circuit 8316 of the control attachment 104, the outputs of thecomparator circuit could be provided directly to the control attachment1004. For example, the control circuit 8312 could receive detectedvoltages values, where the control circuit 8316 could determine animproper wiring condition based upon the detected voltage values andprovide a message on the display 8328.

It should be noted that a testing function can include circuits that aredistributed between the power adapter and the module. That is, whilevoltages associated with the power adapter could be detected by acircuit in the power adapter, such as by one or more voltage detectors,other processing to detect improper wiring or a defective power adapteror module may be performed in the power adapter (such as by usingcontrol circuit 8312 of the power adapter), by the module (using controlcircuit 8316 of the module), or distributed between the power adapterand the module.

The control circuit 8312 may not only receive signals from thecomparators, but may also provide control signals that enable thetesting of the power adapter to the 8316. According to oneimplementation, a test of the connections of the power adapter may beperformed whenever a module is attached to a power adapter. For example,the control circuit of one the power adapter and the control attachmentmay detect the connection of the control attachment to the poweradapter, and initiate a testing of the connections of the power adapter.For example, in the implementation of FIG. 83, the control circuit 8316may detect one or more outputs of the control circuit 8312 to determinewhether the power adapter is improperly wired or is defective.Alternatively or in addition to an automatic testing initiated by one ofthe control circuit 8312 or the control circuit 8316 (such as when acontrol attachment is attached or a periodic test), a user interfaceelement 8318, shown here as a button by way of example, may be used toinitiate a testing of the connections by a test circuit of the poweradapter or the control attachment. That is, a user may desire that acheck be performed to make sure that the power adapter is properly wiredand operating correctly or the power adapter and control attachment areoperating correctly. The test results can then be provided to the user.By way of example, the test results can be displayed on a display 8328.

Turning now to FIG. 84, another block diagram of a circuit for testingthe connections associated with a power adapter when the contacts areelectrically connected to wires providing power to the power adapter isshown. According to the implementation of FIG. 84, a switching circuit8402 coupled to the various nodes (e.g. contact elements 1516 and 1520of FIG. 5) enables the connection of the nodes to single voltagedetector 8404 that can provide a measured voltage value to the controlcircuit 8312 (or directly to the control circuit 8316 as describedabove). The voltage detector can sequentially detect voltages atdifferent nodes to determine whether the power adapter is improperlywired or not operating properly. While a single voltage detector isshown, it should be understood that multiple voltage detectors could beimplemented. Also, while voltages are shown as being detected, it shouldbe understood that currents be detected instead of voltages or inaddition to voltages.

There are different conditions that can be detected to determine whethera power adapter is wired properly and working properly. When a poweradapter is wired correctly, the line (i.e. power wire) is connected to apower contact of the power adapter (which may be detected at the poweror load contact), the neutral line is connected to the neutral contact,and ground line is connected to the ground contact. However, the groundcontact may be improperly connected to the neutral contact to form animproper ground connection, commonly called a bootleg ground. Aparticularly dangerous condition can exist when there is not only animproper connection of the ground contact to the neutral wire, but theline (power) and neutral connections are reversed, commonly known as areverse polarity bootleg ground. What makes this improper wiringcondition particularly dangerous is that the ground connection, which isimproperly connected to a power line, may make portions of the poweradapter have a high voltage electrical charge and may lead to anelectrical shock or an electrocution of the user of the power adapter.

In order to detect the improper wiring of a power adapter, it isnecessary to use a voltmeter, where the voltage between ground andneutral (as detected by a voltage detector and comparator) will be veryclose to zero. However, to detect a reverse polarity bootleg groundconnection, it is necessary to connect a prong of a voltmeter to earthground, and test each of the power, neutral and ground contacts withrespect to earth ground. Because a recess adapted to receive a controlattachment provides access to measurements associated not only with thepower, neutral and ground terminals of an outlet, but also an earthground (by determining a voltage associated with the power adapter, suchas by determining the voltage of the flange electrically connected tothe junction box, which should be at earth ground), it is possible todetect improper wiring conditions. That is, a test circuit could notonly be coupled to the power (or load), neutral and ground contacts todetect voltages at those contacts, but could also detect a voltage ofearth ground to use as a reference voltage. Because a junction boxreceiving the power adapter is at earth ground, the voltage at earthground can be detected by determining the voltage of the junction box,such as by determining the voltage of a flange of the power adapterconnected to the junction box. A test circuit internal to the poweradapter could detect the voltage at earth ground by providing aconductor coupled to a flange of the power adapter (e.g. flange 1520 ofFIG. 15 that is electrically coupled to the junction box and thereforeat earth ground). It should be understood that test circuits could beimplemented in power adapters receiving any type of power adaptermodules as described above.

Turning now to FIG. 85, a block diagram of a system having a pluralityof power adapters implementing different communication protocols isshown. The system of FIG. 85 shows power control devices that can beused to control a variety of elements in the system. According to theimplementation of FIG. 85, a single central controller 8502 can providemultimodal control of different control devices or different sets ofcontrol devices. The control devices could be power adapter arrangementsas set forth above or other suitable control devices that could becoupled to control a device or integrated in the device to control thedevice. The single controller 8502 could be for example a smart phone, atablet computer or any other computer or device enabling a wirelessconnection to multiple control modules by way of different wirelessprotocols as described above. For example, the controller 8502 couldcommunicate with a first set 8504 of control devices, a second set 8506of control devices, and a third set of control devices 8508. The firstset of control devices may include an outdoor light 8510, an indoorlight 8512, and a water heater 8514 that are controlled by way of afirst wireless connection 8516. As shown in FIG. 85, the centralcontroller 8502 is directly in communication with devices of the firstset of devices using a short range communication protocol. That is,there is no intervening control element, such as a base station orwireless hub, that receives control signals from the central controllerand provides control signals to the control devices. By way of example,a first set of devices could communicate with central controller by wayof a Bluetooth connection, where the devices could be implemented in aBluetooth mesh network, or a near field communication (NFC) link. Theshort range communication protocol may be accessible at a distance ofapproximately 100 feet for example. The devices of a first set could beimplemented in different locations, and could include for example anindoor device, an outdoor device, a device controlling a specificdevice, such as a water heater or an under-cabinet lighting fixture. Thefirst set of control devices could be associated devices that a userdoes not wish to access remotely, or a device about which the user mayhave security concerns and may not want to have controlled by a lowersecurity protocol, such as an IEEE 802.11 communication protocol, alsoknown as WiFi. The first communication protocol may therefore be a localcommunication protocol, and more particularly a direct localcommunication protocol.

The second set 8506 of control devices may be controlled by way of asecond connection, which may be for example a network. The second set ofdevices 8606 could include devices that are controlled by the controllerusing a local area network, including a base station or wireless hubthat communicates with a plurality of devices. By way of example, thelocal area network (LAN) could be a WiFi network including a WiFi base8518 enabling communication links 8520 and 8521. The local area networkcould also be accessible by a wide area network such as a cellularnetwork to enable remote access to devices. The WiFi network could beany network implementing any IEEE 802.11 standard for example. Thesecond set of appliances controlled by the devices could include thetypes of devices that a user may desire to access from a remotelocation, such as an indoor light 8522, a curling iron 8524, a coffeemachine 8526, a particular lamp, or a wireless-controlled door lock8528. That is, these devices may be devices that a user may wish tocheck to make sure that they have been turned off, or the types ofdevices that a user may wish to turn on while they are away.

The third set of devices 8508 could be controlled by another wirelessbase 8530 enabling communication links 8532 and 8534 to control otherspecialty devices such as pool controls or specialty lighting. Accordingto the example of FIG. 85, an outdoor light 8536, and indoor light 8538,and a pool heater 8340 could be controlled by the wireless base 8530.The wireless base 8330 could be a Z-Wave or a ZigBee controller forexample. Therefore, a short range communication link or a WiFiconnection of system 8500 could be integrated with an existing systememployed by the user, such as a Z-Wave or ZigBee system for example.

One beneficial aspect of the system is that a single controller cancontrol a plurality of devices using a plurality of differentconnections implementing different wireless communication protocols andhaving different capabilities. The controller can also access a server8342 by way of one of the elements of the system, such as the WiFi base8318. The server may receive information from or provide information tothe server 8342. For example, the server may receive information fromthe central controller related to the state or operation of variousdevices on the system 5600, or may provide information or data enablingthe operation of the devices on the system 8300. For example, theinformation can be related to analysis of the devices implemented on thesystem, or could be information of interest to a user, such as news orweather, which could be displayed on a device of the system. Byimplementing a variety of different communication protocols, it ispossible to implement the different devices with the most suitablecommunication protocol from a single controller. For example, while aWiFi enables remote access, it may also be more susceptible to hackingor other security issues. However, a Bluetooth or NFC connection,because of its short-range nature, may have fewer hacking or securityissues, but is generally not remotely accessible. While different typesof devices are described, the system of FIG. 85 could be implemented agas meter, a sprinkler, a fire alarm, a thermostat, a street light,fitness equipment, a hot water tank, a heater, or a boiler with any typeof device for home security, home automation, or internet-of-things(IoT) device). The system could also include devices that areincorporated in or improve networks, such as wireless communicationnetworks. For example, the devices could include a network extender(e.g. provide greater range for the network) or be a node for a meshnetwork, such as a WiFi network or Bluetooth network.

According to some implementations, authentication could be achieved by ashared secret key authentication, where both the power adapter and thecontrol attachment have a shared key that is used to exchangeinformation to authenticate the power adapter. In cryptography, a sharedsecret key is a piece of data such as a random number, known only to theparties involved, in a secure communication. The shared secret key wouldbe pre-shared (i.e. stored in a memory of both the power adapter and thecontrol attachment. The shared secret can be fed to a key derivationfunction to produce one or more keys to use for encryption of messages.To make unique communication link between the power adapter and thecontrol attachment and unique message keys, the shared secret key may becombined with the unique ID. While shared secret key is provided as oneexample of an authentication technique for authorizing a control moduleto operate with a power adapter, it should be understood that any typeof authentication could be used.

Control attachments may be multifunctional, and where one function maybe used for the benefit of another function. For example, a controlattachment having wireless capability may have be used to provideinformation to a user associated with another function of the controlattachment. For example, a control attachment having a WiFi wirelesscontrol circuit may send a level of an expendable material used in themodule, such as a fragrance in a refillable module or a replaceablemodule (an empty module having a fragrance can be removed from thecontrol attachment and replaced with a new module having the fragrance)that may be used to provide a scent to a room to a user of the controlmodule.

Turning now to FIG. 86, a method of controlling a power adapter toprovide power a load is described. The method of FIG. 86 as well as themethod of FIG. 87 described below may be implemented using any of thesystems or circuits as described above. It should be understood thatadditional elements could be implemented in the method based upon thesystems and methods as described above.

More particularly, a first contact element of a first plurality ofcontact elements is configured to receive electrical power at a block8602. A second contact element of a first plurality of contact elementsis configured to provide power to a load at a block 8604. A firstinterface comprising a second plurality of contact elements isconfigured to provide one or more reference voltages to a controlattachment, wherein the first interface comprises an electricalinterface at a block 8606. A second interface comprising a switch isconfigured to control power applied to a load in response to a manualactuation of the control attachment at a block 8608.

Turning now to FIG. 87, a method of controlling the application of powerto a load using a control attachment is described. More particularly, atoggle element is provided on the control attachment, wherein the toggleelement is movable in response to a manual actuation at a block 8702. Afirst interface comprising an actuator element adapted to make contactwith a power adapter is provided, wherein the actuator element isadapted to engage with a switch of the power adapter in response to themanual actuation at a block 8704. An attachment element is provided toattach the control attachment to the power adapter at a block 8706. Thecontrol of power applied to the load by the power adapter is enabled inresponse to a manual actuation of the toggle element at a block 8708.While the elements of FIG. 86, which is directed to a method ofcontrolling a power adapter, and FIG. 87, which is directed tocontrolling the application of power to a load, are shown separately, itshould be understood the elements of the figures could be implementedtogether to implement a power adapter arrangement as described above.

Power is distributed in an electrical system of a building throughdifferent branches of the electrical system. More particularly, a loadcenter receives power for a building and enables the distribution ofpower to groups of loads. Typically, each load of the groups of loadsmay comprise multiple outlets and switches. For example, one group ofloads may comprise all of the outlets and switches associated with akitchen, and a second group of loads may comprise all of the outlets andswitches associated with a family room. Outlets and switches are wiredin the electrical system at a location that is associated with a groupof loads. For power adapters comprising outlets (e.g. typically having 2outlets adapted to receive corresponding plugs), the loads comprise thedevices that are plugged into the outlet. Power adapters comprisingswitches may control one or more devices receiving power by way of thepower adapter. For example, a load controlled by a power adaptercomprising a switch may comprise a light in the kitchen. In someinstances, the power adapter comprising a switch may control multipledevices, such as multiple lights in kitchen. Power adapters comprisingswitches may also control outlets, such as two switched outlets in aliving room for example.

One primary function of a load center is to distribute power todifferent groups of loads, and provide over-current protection (whichmay indicate a short circuit or some other electrical anomaly) for thedifferent groups of loads. One conventional way of providingover-current protection is the use of a fuse for each group of loads. Byway of example, a load center may distribute power to 20 groups ofloads, where 20 fuses may be used to provide over-current protection tothe corresponding 20 groups of loads. Over-current protection isbeneficial to prevent personal injury to an individual using an outletor switch (e.g. shock or electrocution) or a fire in the event of toomuch current flowing to the load. While fuses need to be replaced in theevent that too much current causes the fuse to blow, circuit breakersare more commonly used because they do not need to be replaced, and canbe reset in the event that the circuit breaker is tripped.

However, there is cost associated with either fuses or circuit breakersto provide over-current protection, and providing a fuse or circuitbreaker for each power adapter (e.g. a power adapter comprising anoutlet or a power adapter comprising switch). Providing over-voltageprotection for each power adapter in a building would be costprohibitive. Load centers provide a benefit of grouping loads forreducing the number of over-current protection devices in a building,such as 20 circuit breakers rather than providing over-currentprotection for each of a larger number of switches or outlets in anaverage residence, which may be more than 100 outlets and switches forexample. Load centers also provide convenience to switch off power to asection of a residence having power adapters associated with multipleloads. For example, if a homeowner is replacing a switch in the kitchen,it is possible to turn off power to all of the power adapters in thekitchen to safely replace one of the power adapters (i.e. without havingto turn off power to the entire residence, such as by way of main switchwhich may be provided in the load center for controlling the applicationof power to each of the circuit breakers and therefore all of the poweradapters receiving power in the residence).

While load centers provide a benefit of reducing cost for over-currentprotection and disabling power to a group of power adapters forconvenience, where circuit breakers are located in the load center andare not used for controlling to power to a single load, power adaptersare distributed beyond the load center to provide switching capabilityto one or more loads. As power adapters continue to advance, it isbeneficial to provide flexibility in power adapters without increasingthe cost in a way that would make it cost prohibitive to install themore advanced power adapters. Different power switching devices, such asrelays or TRIACs may have different advantages and disadvantages relatedto cost, size and switching characteristics. Power adapters may alsoprovide flexibility in the application of power applied to a load andmay be used to provide power to other elements that are dependent uponthe location of the power adapter, such as sensor capability for use ina security system or a smart home for example. Providing flexibility inpower adapters for implementing different power switching devices isbeneficial, as will be described in more detail below.

FIGS. 88 and 89 show an implementation of a power adapter having aremovable power switching module to enable a user of the power adapterto select a power switching functionality of the switching module. Asdescribed above, there are different types of power switching, includingconventional on/off power switching and power switching with dimmingcontrol. However, there are different costs associated with thedifferent functionality. For example, as described above, conventionalon/off power switching may be achieved by a relay, which may be lessexpensive than a power adapter having dimming functionality, which mayrequire a more expensive device such as a TRIAC. Because a builder orhomeowner may not be certain where it may be necessary to have dimmingfunctionality, it may be costly to install power adapters that havedimming capability and that are adapted to receive control attachmentseverywhere in a new construction. However, it is also costly and timeconsuming for a homeowner to later change a power adapter that does nothave dimming capability to a power adapter that has dimming capability.That is, not only would the homeowner have to incur the cost of acomplete power adapter, but the homeowner may also have to incur thecost of hiring an electrician or expend the time to replace the poweradapter. According to the implementation of FIGS. 88 and 89, thehomeowner may be required to only replace the power switching module,thereby reducing both hardware cost and installation time and/orexpense.

While a user should turn off the power to the power switching module asdescribed in reference to FIGS. 88 and 89 when replacing the powerswitching module, additional protective measures can be provided toincrease the safety of implementing a power adapter having the powerswitching module. The contact elements of the power adapter can beimplemented as tamper resistant contact elements to prevent a user frominadvertently making contact with a high voltage contact of the poweradapter if the user failed to turn off the power to the power switchingmodule. For example, a shutter mechanism may be implemented with thecontact elements to block access to the contact elements unless a powerswitching module is inserted. Further, the removable power switchingmodule can be implemented as a child proof module, such as by requiringthat the module be screwed in to the power adapter. Such a powerswitching module being screwed in would not only prevent a child frommaking contact with a high voltage contact, but also prevent an adultfrom inadvertently making contact with a high voltage contact. That is,the power switching module that is screwed into the power adapter couldonly be removed by taking an active step of removing the screws, but notby an inadvertent bumping or other contact with the power switchingmodule.

Turning first to FIG. 88, a block diagram of a power adapter having aremovable power switching module is shown. The implementation of FIG. 88may be based upon the power adapter of FIG. 15 for example. The poweradapter of FIG. 88 is configured to receive a control attachment asdescribed above (e.g. a control attachment as described in FIG. 17-21 or24-34) and provide a power switching function. A removable powerswitching module 8802 is attached to the power adapter 102 by attachmentelements 8804, shown here by way of example as a flange adapted toreceive a screw. However, it should be understood that any type ofattachment element could be employed, including attachment elements thatenable the power switching module to be easily attached or detached (asdescribed above in reference to attaching a control attachment to apower adapter) of different types of attachment elements that providesafety to a user (i.e. prevent an inadvertent removal of the powerswitching module).

As shown in FIG. 89, the removable power switching module 8802 may beremoved from the power adapter, where a recess 8902 having contactelements 8904 is exposed. Contact elements 8906 of the removable powerswitching module (shown in dashed lines as extending from the rear ofthe removable power switching module) are configured to be inserted intoand make electrical connections with the contact elements 8904 in therecess of the power adapter. The power switching module 8802 isconfigured to provide a current path for power to be applied to a load,and may be controlled in response to a signal provided to the powerswitching module, such as from a control attachment by way of a contactelement 1514 of the electrical interface 1512.

Any number of contact elements 8906 could be implemented, and may dependupon the functionality of the power switching module. However, thenumber of contact elements 8904 should be at least as large as thenumber of corresponding contact elements of any power switching module8802 that may be used. That is, it is possible that different powerswitching modules 8802 may have different numbers of contact elementsbased upon the functionality, but the number of contact elements 8906should be as least as great as the number of contact elements 8906 ofany power switching module. The contact elements 8906 should include asmany contact elements as necessary to implement the features of powerswitching module. For example, more contact elements may be required fora power switching module having dimming functionality than a powerswitching module that only provides on/off capability. According to oneimplementation, the power switching module could be a simple powerswitch, such as a relay, where one of the contact elements 8906 iscoupled to receive power and another contact element of the contactelements 8906 is coupled to the load. That is, two contact elementscould be used for implementing the current path for enabling power to beapplied to the load, where the power may be applied to the load basedupon the state of the relay. The state of the relay (e.g. opened orclosed) could be controlled by a third contact. For example, the relaymay be switched in response to a signal provided to a third contactelement of the contact elements 8906 comprising a control terminal (i.e.a signal applied to the control terminal can be used to close the relayto apply power to the load or open the relay to cut off the powerapplied to the load).

According to another implementation, the power switching module couldcomprise a TRIAC or some other device enabling a dimming operation,where one or more contact elements power switching module can be usedfor switching on or off power and controlling dimming. For example, thedimmer control circuit 310 as shown in a FIG. 6 could be implemented ina power switching module 8802. According to the dimmer control circuit310, four contact elements may be necessary. In addition to the twocontact elements used to provide a current path enabling power to beapplied to a load, two additional contact elements may be used for bothcontrolling the switching of power (i.e. on and off functionality) andfor providing dimming control. That is, a third contact element can beused for controlling the switch 606 of FIG. 6 to control on and offfunctionality and a fourth contact can be used for controlling theresistance value of the resistor 612 to provide dimming control.

As can be seen, the power adapter of FIGS. 88 and 89 enables a singlepower adapter to be installed and easily converted from a lower-costpower adapter (e.g. having a relay) to a higher-cost power adapter (e.g.having a TRIAC). Such a conversion can be achieved without the need foran electrician and with reduced time and expense. That is, a user cansimply turn off the power and safely replace the power switching module,without having to buy a complete power adapter and without having toattach the power adapter to wires of an electrical system. The user canalso replace the control attachment to include dimming features. Thatis, while the user would not be able to use dimming features with apower adapter only having a relay for example, the user would be able touse a larger variety of control attachments (e.g. control attachmentshaving dimming capability) by replacing a power switching module with apower switching module having dimming capability. While contact elementsof the power adapter are on a surface of a recess for receiving acontrol attachment, it should be understood that the power adapter maybe implemented with a surface that is not in a recess and flush with thecontrol attachment when the control attachment is attached to the poweradapter.

Turning now to FIG. 90, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangementhaving a power adapter and a control attachment comprising one or moreoutlets is shown. More particularly, the power adapter arrangement 9000comprises a power adapter 9002 and a control attachment 9004. The poweradapter 9002 comprises a signal interface 9008 adapted to receive aground signal at an input 9010, a neutral signal at an input 9012 and apower input at an input 9014. The ground, neutral and power inputs areconfigured to provide current paths as described above to provide powerto a load attached to an outlet of the control attachment. Outputs ofthe signal interface (which may filter signals for example) are providedto an electrical interface 9020.

The electrical interface 9020 is adapted to be coupled to acorresponding electrical interface 9022. More particularly, a contactelement 9026 is coupled to a corresponding contact element 9028, acontact element 9030 is coupled to a corresponding contact element 9032,and a contact element 9034 is coupled to a corresponding contact element9036. While specific contact elements are shown, it should be understoodthat other contact elements could be provided, including contactelements for transmitting low power signals between the power adapterand the control attachment.

The control attachment 9004 comprises an interface circuit 9038 having acontrol circuit 9040 that is configured to control a power controlcircuit 9042. The interface circuit 9038 comprises elements for enablinga user to interact with the control attachment, directly or indirectly.For example, an actuator 9044 may be coupled to receive a user interfaceinput at an input 9046. The actuator 9044 could be any type of userinterface actuator, such as a button or some other movable element forexample. The control attachment may also comprise an interface circuit9052 configured to receive communication signals by way of an input9050. The communication signals may be wireless communication signalsreceived, directly or indirectly, from a remote device. According tosome implementations, the remote device could be a dedicated remotedevice, such as a radio frequency (RF) device that is provided tocommunicate with the control attachment. According to otherimplementations, the remote device could be a computer device. Forexample, the computer device could be a portable device, such as a smartphone, tablet or some other portable computer. The remote device couldalso be a fixed computer, such as a control terminal attached to a walland may be associated with a security system for example. The interfacecircuit 9052 may be configured to transmit and receive communicationsignals according to any communication protocol as described above,including any wireless communication protocol. The interface circuit9052 may also comprise a feedback circuit 9053 configured to send afeedback signal by way of an output 9054. The feedback signal may be anytype of audio, visual, or tactile feedback signal that may provideinformation to a user related to the state or operation of the poweradapter arrangement, including for example an on/off state of powerapplied to a load or any state or operation of the control attachment.

As can be seen in FIG. 90, the power control circuit 9042 receives thepower signal, which is a high voltage power signal as described above,and selectively provides the power signal to the load 9062 in responseto a control signal from the control circuit 9040. The power controlcircuit may be implemented as a power control circuit as described abovein reference to FIGS. 1-5, and may include a relay that enables on andoff functionality (i.e. applying power to or cutting off power to theload) or a dimming control circuit that not only enables on and offfunctionality, but also enables dimming functionality. The controlsignal (generated by the control circuit 9040 and provided to the powercontrol circuit 9042) may be based upon an input provided to theactuator 9044 or the interface 9052. For example, power may be appliedto the outlet 9060 in response to a user input to the actuator 9044 orcommunication signals provided to the interface circuit 9052 to controlthe application of power to a load. As can be seen in FIG. 90, power,neutral and ground signal are provided to the outlet 9066, and thereforeoutlet 9066 is always on (i.e. always receiving power). In contrast,outlet 9060 is configured as a switched outlet (i.e. an outlet that maybe controlled to selectively apply power to the outlet). While theapplication of power to one of the outlets (i.e. outlet 9060) iscontrolled, it should be understood the control attachment could beconfigured so that both outlets (i.e. outlet 9060 and outlet 9066) arecontrolled outlets, where they may be controlled together (i.e. both areresponsive to a single signal) or controlled separately.

Turning now to FIG. 91, a front and side view of the power adapter thatmay be implemented according to the power adapter arrangement of FIG. 90is shown. The power adapter 9100 comprises a plurality of contactelements (e.g. contact elements 1516 and 1520) configured to receivepower signals (e.g. high voltage power signals and ground or neutralsignals) as described above, and transmit the power signals between thepower adapter and the control attachment. That is, rather thanimplementing power switching functions in the power adapter, the powersignal received by the power adapter is provided to the controlattachment by contact elements on the power adapter, where the switchingof power that is applied to a load by way of an outlet of the controlattachment is controlled by elements of the control attachment, such asdescribed above in reference to FIG. 90. The three contact elements9026, 9030 and 9034 of FIG. 90 are shown as female receptacles adaptedto receive corresponding male contact elements of the controlattachments, such as prongs as described in FIG. 93. While an exampleusing a male and female contacts is described by way of example, itshould be understood that any type of contact element arrangements couldbe employed.

Turning now to FIG. 92, a side view of the power adapter 9100 is shown.As shown in FIG. 92, the contact element 9030 comprises a receptacle9202 for receiving the corresponding contact element 9032, as shown forexample as a prong in FIG. 93. When the control attachment of FIG. 93 isattached to the power adapter of FIG. 91, the contact element 9032extends into the receptacle 9202 of the contact element 9030 and makesan electrical contact to the corresponding contact 9030 of the poweradapter to enable the transfer of an electrical signal between the poweradapter and the control attachment. A signal line 9204 enables thetransfer of signals to between the power adapter and the controlattachment. As shown in FIG. 93, attachment elements 9302 are providedto enable attaching the control attachment to the power adapter. Theattachment elements could be any type of attachment element as describedabove. Further, the control attachment could be implemented so that itcan be inserted into or removed from the power adapter through theopening of the wall plate while the wall plate is attached to the poweradapter. For example, the attachment elements could be exposed throughthe opening of a wall plate to enable the attachment element to beinserted into or removed from the power adapter through the opening ofthe wall plate, such as described above in reference to FIG. 17 forexample. Alternatively, the attachment elements could be behind the wallplate so that the wall plate must be removed for the control attachmentto be inserted into or removed from the power adapter, as describedabove in reference to FIG. 18 for example.

Further, user interface elements 9304 may also be provided, and mayinclude any element for implementing interface circuit 9038. Theinterface elements may include elements enabling direct interaction(e.g. a button, a switch, a connector) or indirect interaction (e.g. aspeaker microphone). For example, connectors 9402 and 9404, shown hereby way of example as USB and USB Type C contact elements, enable a userto receive power or transmit communication signals to a device attachedto the connector. While connectors are shown by way of example in FIG.94, it should be understood that any type of user interface elementscould be implemented as described above, such as described in referenceto FIGS. 51-64, either for receiving a user input at the controlattachment or providing information to a user. For example, as shown inthe implementation of FIG. 95, the interface circuit 9038 is shown indashed lines in FIG. 93 as being internal to the control attachment, butmay have interface elements that are exposed. For example, as shown inFIG. 95, a sensor 9502 may be implemented. The sensor could be any typeof sensor as described above, such as a camera or a motion detector.According to the implementation of FIG. 96, the interface circuit maycomprise a smart speaker having a microphone 9602 and a speaker 9604.

It should be noted that some implementations of the interface circuit9038 may require more space than is available between 2 outlets 9060 and9066. Therefore, as shown in the implementation of FIG. 97, a singleoutlet is implemented, where the remaining space that is exposed thoughan opening of a wall plate can be used for other interface elements.That is, more space may be needed for a single function, or forproviding multiple functions, including any combination of userinterface elements as described above. In addition to elements of asmart speaker having a microphone 9602 and a speaker 9604, the interfacecircuit 9038 may include another user interface element 9704, which maybe any type of user interface element, such as a sensor or connector asdescribed above.

While the control attachment arrangements of FIGS. 93-97 have userinterface elements that are integrated into the control attachment, thecontrol attachment may be configured to receive a removable userinterface element, which may be a removable module for example. As shownin FIG. 98, a removable module 9802 is coupled to the control circuit9040, and enables the implementation of user interface elements asdescribed above. The module 9802 may comprise a connector 9804 havingcontact elements 9806. The control attachment may also comprise acorresponding connector 9808 having contact elements 9810. While aphysical connector is shown by way of example, it should be understoodthat any type of interface for communication signals between the module9802 and control circuit 9040 could be implemented as described above.

The module 9802 may comprise various user interface inputs, which may bephysical user interface inputs or wireless user interface inputs. Forexample, a user interface input 9812 may be implemented to receive anactuation signal from an actuator accessible by a user. A communicationinput 9814 may be implemented to transmit and receive communicationsignals, such as any of the communication signals as described above,while an output 9816 may be implemented to provide feedback to a user,such as audio, visual or tactile feedback. As described below inreference to FIGS. 99 and 100, the control attachment may be implementedwith a recess to receive the module 9802. The module 9802 may transmitand receive communication signals using any wireless communicationprotocol, and control an outlet or provide any user interface function(e.g. a camera, a motion detector, a smart speaker), as described above.

As shown in FIGS. 99 and 100, module 9802 may be detachably insertedinto a recess 10002, and attached to the control attachment byattachment elements 9904 to corresponding attachment elements 10004 asshown. The attachment elements 9904 and 10004 may implemented accordingto any of the power adapter arrangements as described above. Anelectrical interface 10008 may comprise contact elements 9810 forexample. While the module 9802 is configured to be inserted into arecess, the module 9802 may be attached to an external surface of thecontrol attachment.

According to additional implementations set forth below, a power adapterarrangement can be implemented where outlets or switches are provided asa part of the power adapter, and a control attachment coupled to thepower adapter may be used to control the switching of power to a load(either electrically connected to a contact element of the power adaptersuch as by a wire associated with a device wired in an electrical systemof a building (e.g. ceiling light) or a device plugged into the poweradapter (e.g. lamp or appliance)), as will be described in more detailbelow. By placing switching functionality for power applied to the loadin the control attachment of a power adapter arrangement, power adapters(implemented to include either an outlet or a switch) can be universallyinstalled at a low cost, allowing a resident or occupant of the buildingto cheaply and easily install a control attachment that providesswitching. That is, because of the cost associated with switching, suchas the cost of a relay or a TRIAC for example, it is beneficial toprovide basic switching capability (e.g. a manual switch) for a switchor “always on” outlets of a power adapter comprising outlets, where thecontrol attachment providing additional functionality can be cheaply andeasily added later.

When a “dummy” control attachment is used in a power adapter providingswitching functionality, the power adapter will function as aconventional switch having manual on and off capability. However, when acontrol attachment having switching capability is attached to the poweradapter, the power adapter arrangement may provide additionalfunctionality (e.g. wireless control of power applied to the load orsensor capability for use in a security system or smart home).Similarly, when a dummy control attachment is used in a power adapterhaving outlets, the outlets will provide power as normally provided in aconventional outlet (i.e. “always on” outlets). However, when a controlattachment having switching capability is used in the power adapterhaving outlets, one or more of the outlets can be implemented as aswitched outlet, where the switching capability (e.g. a relay or aTRIAC) for the switched outlet is provided by the control attachment. Byconfiguring the power adapter to receive either a dummy controlattachment or a control attachment having switching capability, a lowcost switch or low cost outlet can be provided, where the low costswitches or outlets can be universally installed, and easily upgradedwithout having to replace the entire power adapter. That is, in additionto reducing cost, time and effort of replacing an entire outlet orswitch installed in a junction box, additional cost reductions can beachieved by only having to provide additional hardware of a controlattachment. The switch and the outlet on the power adapter installed inthe junction box will remain, and will not need to be replaced. As willbe described in more detail below, the power adapters for switching andpower adapters having an outlet can be configured to receive the samecontrol attachments. As will further be described in more detail below,control attachments can be provided with other functionality, which maybe in addition to switching functionality, and may include any userinterface elements for implementing a smart home or security system.

Turning first to FIG. 101, a block diagram of a power adapter havingoutlets and a recess for receiving an insert adapted to provideswitching for power applied to a load is shown. The power adapter ofFIG. 101 is configured to receive a control attachment, wherein thecontrol attachment routes power received from the power adapter backinto the power adapter. That is, the power adapter is configured toreceive power from an electrical system (such as by being electricallyconnected to wires in a wall of a building or plugged into an outlet)and provide power that is routed through a control attachment insertedinto a recess of the power adapter back to an outlet of the poweradapter. By routing the power that is provided to an outlet through thecontrol attachment, it is possible to provide switching of power(provided to a switched outlet for example) in the control attachment ifdesired. Unlike conventional outlet devices having no switchingcapability (where the entire power adapter would need to be replaced toachieve a switched outlet), only the control attachment would need to beadded to achieve switching capability by placing the switchingcapability in the control attachment.

As shown in FIG. 101, a power adapter 10102 comprises a body portion10103 having a recess 10106 configured to receive a control attachmentthat may have power switching functionality. The power adapter comprisesan electrical interface 10108 (functioning as an interface for routingsignals) that is coupled to a plurality of inputs, shown here as acontact element 10110 adapted to be coupled to a ground node of anelectrical system, a contact element 10112 adapted to be coupled to aneutral voltage, and a contact element 10114 configured to receive apower signal (which may provide a voltage or a current for driving aload as described above). The signal interface 10108 may be included toprovide voltage regulation and signal conditioning to remove noise forexample. That is, a ground voltage is generated on a signal line 10120at an output of the signal interface, a neutral voltage is generated ona signal line 10122 at an output of the signal interface, and a powervoltage is generated on a signal line 10124, where current may flow onthe signal lines 10122 and 10124 depending upon the control of powerapplied to a load, and current may flow on the ground signal line 10120depending on any condition that may require power to flow to ground(such as a for safety in the event of too much current flowing in thecircuit).

The ground signal line 10120, the neutral signal line 10122, and thepower signal line 10124 are coupled to corresponding signal lines 10130,10132, and 10134 that provide current paths to an outlet 10136, which isadapted to receive contact elements 10137 (e.g. electrical prongs of aplug adapted to be inserted into the outlet) associated with a load10138. Similarly, the ground signal line 10120 and the neutral signalline 10122 are coupled to corresponding signal lines 10142 and 10144that provide current paths to an outlet 10146 that is adapted to receivecontact elements 10147 (e.g. electrical prongs of a plug) associatedwith a load 10148.

The ground signal line 10120, the neutral signal line 10122, and thepower signal line 10124 are also coupled to corresponding contactelements 10150, 10152 and 10154 to provide voltages and enable currentpaths for allowing power to be applied to a load and for providingcurrent paths for safe operation. Unlike the configuration of signallines provided to the output 10136 that provides power to the load 10138(where all of the signal lines 10120, 10122, and 10124 are connected tocorresponding signal lines 10130, 10132 and 10134, and the outlet 10136comprises a non-switched outlet, also known as an “always on” outlet),only the neutral signal line 10142 and the ground signal line 10144 areelectrically connected to the corresponding neutral signal line 10122and ground signal line 10120. A power signal on the power signal line10124 is routed through a control attachment by way of the contactelement 10154 and a contact element 10156, as will be described in moredetail below, such as by the control attachments as shown in FIGS. 102and 103. That is, rather than implementing the outlet 10146 as anunswitched outlet, power provided to the outlet 10146 is routed througha control attachment by way of the contact elements 10154 and 10156. Ascan be seen in FIG. 101, the switching of power is not performed in thepower adapter, but rather in a control attachment inserted into thepower adapter. By placing any circuits for switching power in thecontrol attachment, a low-cost power adapter having outlets (which maybe implemented as a conventional outlet having “always on” outlets forexample) may be implemented. As will be described in more detail below,a simple, low-cost control attachment may be implemented to configureand operate the outlet 10146 as a non-switched outlet, while othercontrol attachments can be implemented to configure and operate theoutlet 10146 as a switched outlet.

As shown in the implementation of FIG. 102, a control attachment maycomprise a connector arrangement for routing power received from thepower adapter back to the power adapter as shown. The control attachment10202, which may be considered a dummy control attachment, comprisescontact elements 10204, 10206, 10208, 10210 that are adapted to becoupled to the corresponding contact elements 10150, 10152, 10154 and10156. As shown, a signal line 10212 can be provided between the contactelement 10208 and 10210 to enable routing a power signal from thecontact element 10154 to the contact element 10156, and therefore to thesignal line 10140 to provide power to the outlet 10146. According to theconfiguration of FIG. 102, the outlet 10146 will receive power andoperate as an unswitched outlet, where the signal line 10212 operates asa jumper. It should be understood that the contact elements 10204 and10206 may not be necessary, but may be implemented to provide additionalsafety or provide mechanical alignment when the control attachment isinserted into the recess of the power adapter.

Implementing a control attachment having a power control circuit thatmay be used to control the switching of power received by the poweradapter and applied to the load enables the outlet 10146 to beimplemented as a switched outlet. According to the implementation ofFIG. 103, the power adapter 10102 as shown comprises a controlattachment having a control circuit for controlling the routing of powerreceived from the power adapter back to the power adapter. Moreparticularly, the power adapter 10302 comprises a power control circuit10304 that controls the switching of power received from the poweradapter, and therefore enables the outlet 10146 to be operated as aswitched outlet. The control circuit 10306 is coupled to the powercontrol circuit 10304 by way of a signal line 10307 to control theoperation of the power control circuit. The control circuit 10306 couldbe implemented in a processor as described above, and is configured toprocess signals received from an interface circuit 10308, such assignals from a wireless communication circuit or a sensor of theinterface circuit 10308. According to some implementations, the powercontrol circuit 10304 may comprise a relay having a path of controllableconductivity coupled to the contact elements 10208 and 10210, where acontrol terminal of the relay (i.e. the terminal controlling the flow ofcurrent through the relay) may be controlled by a control signal on thecontrol signal line 10307 to allow power to flow from the power adapterand back to the power adapter through the control adapter 10302.

According to other implementations, a TRIAC circuit such as described inreference to FIG. 6 could be used in the power control circuit. Whiledimming may be less likely to be used in a power adapter having outlets(as compared to a power adapter having a switch as described below), theTRIAC circuit could be operated to turn on or off power to the outlet,and not necessarily for dimming. That is, the TRIAC circuit may haveadvantages compared to a relay, such as cost or size advantages.Further, because a TRIAC may be commonly used when a control attachmentis used in a switch, it may be beneficial to implement a TRIAC in acontrol attachment to enable the control attachment to be implemented inboth a power adapter having an outlet and a power adapter having aswitch, as will be described in more detail below.

The control circuit 10306 may be coupled to one or both of neutral andground contacts 10150 and 10152 to provide a reference voltage and toprovide a discharge path to prevent a shock or other injury to a user asa result of contact with the control attachment. The control circuit10306 may also be coupled to an interface circuit 10308 by way of asignal line 10309 to enable the communication of signals between thecontrol circuit 10306 and the interface circuit 10308. The interfacecircuit 10308 may be any type of interface for generating signals thatmay be used to control the operation of the power adapter arrangementand the application of power to a load. For example, the interfacecircuit 10308 may receive user interface inputs at an input 10310. Thatis, a user interface may be provided on the control attachment andexposed through an opening of a wall plate attached to the power adapterarrangement. The control attachment may comprise any types of userinterface elements, such as any type of actuator for receiving a manualinput from a user, such as an on/off actuator, a dimmer control circuit,or any other actuator, including the user interface elements asdescribed in FIGS. 136-142. The user interface elements may also be apassive user interface element, such as a microphone, a speaker, or asensor.

The interface circuit 10308 may also comprise an input/output element10312 for receiving and transmitting communication signals, such aswireless communication signals sent to or from a wireless communicationcircuit 10316 of the interface circuit that may implement a wirelesscommunication protocol as described above, such as described above inreference to FIG. 37 for example. For example, the interface circuit mayreceive a schedule or timing pattern for applying power to a load by wayof the wireless communication circuit from a remote device, such as asmart phone, as described above. The control circuit may then implementthe schedule for applying power to a load based upon the signalsreceived from by the wireless communication circuit and stored in amemory, as described for example in reference to the power adapter andcontrol attachment of FIG. 37. According to some implementations, thetiming pattern may be stored in a memory of the control attachment,where various interface elements of the control attachment of FIG. 103may use elements as described in reference to FIG. 37 for example. Theinterface circuit 10308 may be coupled to one or more user interfaceelements, such as actuators or buttons accessible by a user or passiveelements such as a microphone. The interface circuit 10308 may alsocomprise one or more feedback elements 10314 that may provide feedbackto a user. The interface circuit may also comprise one or more sensors10318, including any of the sensors as described above. The sensors maybe used for detecting conditions external to the power adapterarrangement, and providing signals to the control circuit 10306 basedupon the conditions detected by the sensor. Signals generated by awireless control circuit or a sensor may be used by the control circuitto generate control signals provided to the power control circuit 10304to control the application of power to a load. The feedback elementcould comprise any type of visual (e.g. LEDs or a display), audio (e.g.speaker) or tactile feedback element as described above. It should beunderstood that the wireless communication circuit 10316 and one or moresensors 10318, including any of the sensors as described above, may beimplemented in an interface circuit 10308 of any of the implementationshaving the interface circuit.

While the signal interfaces to the control circuit are described assignal lines 10307 and 10309, it should be understood that the signallines 10307 and 10309 may comprises a multi-line bus or any other typeof signaling interface. It should be noted that the control attachmentcould comprise any user interface elements or circuits that couldreceive or provide information beneficial to the operation of the poweradapter arrangement or any device external to the power adapterarrangement, such as a device associated with a home automation systemor a home security system.

Turning now to FIG. 104, a perspective view of a power adapterarrangement comprising a power adapter having an outlet and a controlattachment adapted to be received by the outlet is shown. Moreparticularly, a power adapter arrangement having a power adapter, acontrol attachment, and a wall plate is shown in an expanded view. Afront surface 10402, which has a wall 10404 to provide a raised frontsurface that extends through an opening in a wall plate, comprises therecess 10106 extending to a rear surface 10406. An electrical interface10408, shown here by way of example on the rear surface 10406, comprisesa plurality of contact elements 10409, which may have tamper resistantelements (i.e. child protection elements) to prevent inadvertent contactwith a high voltage power contact. While electrical interface 10408 isshown by way of example on a rear surface of the recess 10106, it shouldbe understood that the electrical interface 10408, or individualcontacts of the electrical interface 10408, could be located on anotherwall of the recess 10106.

An electrical interface 10410 comprises contact elements 10110-10114 onan outer surface of the power adapter to enable the power adapter to becoupled to wires of a junction box. While the contact elements10110-10114 are shown on the same outer surface of the power adapter10102, It should be understood that the contact elements could bedistributed among different outer surfaces of the power adapter.Distributing the contact elements provides convenience for installingthe power adapter in a junction box (i.e. causing the wires of thejunction box to be dispersed in the junction box, making it easier forthe power adapter to fit in the junction box). While the contactelements 10110-10114 are shown as screw-type contact elements adapted toreceive a wire from the junction box, it should be understood that anytype of contact elements could be employed, including wires extendingfrom the power adapter. Further, the contact elements, such as the screwtype contact elements as shown, could be recessed on the outer surfaceas is commonly done, where the contact elements are generally exposed oraccessible on an outer surface to secure a wire of the contact element.

As will be described in more detail below, one or more additionalelectrical interfaces, such as a low power electrical interface, may beprovided in the recess 10106, where the additional electrical interfacemay be provided on the rear surface or any other surface of the recess,or contact elements of the additional electrical interface may bedistributed on different surfaces of the recess.

The power adapter 10102 also comprises attachment elements 10412, whichmay be adapted to engage with corresponding attachment elements 10260 ofthe control attachment. The attachment elements 10412 and 10260 may beimplemented according to any of the attachment elements as describedabove, including for example as described in reference to FIGS. 47-49,or other suitable attachment elements. The control attachment 10302 asshown in FIG. 104 is adapted to be inserted into the recess 10106, wherecontact elements 10414 (e.g. male contact elements) are configured to beinserted into corresponding contact elements 10409 (e.g. female contactelements). According to some implementations, the contact elements 10414comprise prongs that are inserted to corresponding contact elements ofthe power adapted configured to receive the prongs. That is, as with anoutlet configured to receive prongs of a plug, an arrangement of prongsand contact elements receiving the prongs enable the contact elements ofthe power adapter (which may be high voltage contacts) to be recessedwithin the power adapter (such as within the recess 10106 for example)and be further protected by insulating elements associated with a tamperresistant element. While the contact elements 10409 may include highvoltage contacts, it should be understood that the contact elements10414 and corresponding contact elements 10409 may be used to route lowvoltage signals, such as low voltage control signal as will be describedin more detail below.

The power adapter 10102 of FIG. 104 also comprises flanges 10420 toenable the power adapter to be attached to a junction box, such as usingscrews that extend through a recess 10422. The flanges may also comprisethreaded portions 10424 for receiving screws to secure a wall plate10430 to the power adapter. That is, an edge 10434 defines an opening10436 that is adapted to receive the front surface 10402 and wallportion 10404, where screws can be extended through holes 10438 to thethreaded portion 10424 to secure the wall plate to the power adapter. Itshould be understood that the control attachment and power adapter couldbe configured so that the control attachment can be inserted and removedwhen the wall plate is attached to the power adapter, as described abovein reference to FIG. 18 for example, or so that the control attachmentcan only be inserted and removed when the wall plate is not attached tothe power adapter, as described above in reference to FIG. 17 forexample. According to some implementations, the power adapter can beconfigured to receive different types of control attachments, includecontrol attachments that can be inserted/removed when the wall plate isattached, or inserted/removed only when the wall plate is not attached,as described above in reference to FIGS. 48 and 49.

Turning now to FIGS. 105 and 106, a perspective view of another poweradapter arrangement comprising a power adapter having an outlet and acontrol attachment adapted to be received by the power adapter is shown.A rear view of the power adapter arrangement of FIG. 105 is shown inFIG. 106, where an electrical interface comprising a plug extends fromthe rear surface. That is, contact elements 10110-10114 comprise prongsof a plug adapted to be inserted into an outlet to receive power that isapplied to a load by way of one of the outlets 10136 and 10146. While aplug extends from the rear surface 10602 of the implementation of FIG.106, it should be understood that a cord having a plug could extend fromthe rear surface, as is commonly used in an extension cord or a powerstrip.

Turning now to FIG. 107, a block diagram of a power adapter having aswitch controllable by a control attachment to control the routing ofpower received from the power adapter back to the power adapter isshown. While the implementation of FIG. 102 having a control attachmentcomprising a simple contact arrangement for routing the power signalfrom the power adapter back to the power adapter through the controlattachment, it may be beneficial to have a control attachment that doesnot require any electrical connectors (i.e. the control attachments maysimply comprise a plastic housing, and the power adapter may operatewithout any control attachment). According to one implementation, thepower adapter may comprise a switch 10702 that detects a controlattachment adapted to control the application of power to a load. Thatis, the switch 10702 may be implemented to provide power to the outlet10146 (i.e. enabling the outlet 10146 to operate as an always onoutlet), unless a control attachment is configured to control power tothe load. Therefore, when a dummy control attachment is inserted (or nocontrol attachment is inserted), it will not change the state of theswitch, where the power signal line is coupled to the outlet whichoperates as an always on outlet. For example, an actuator 10704 of theswitch 10702, which is accessible through a recess 10706 in a wall ofthe recess 10106, would remain in the same state when a dummy controlattachment is attached to the power adapter (or when no controlattachment is inserted).

However, when a control attachment is adapted to control power appliedto the outlet 10146 (making the outlet 10146 a switched outlet), thecontrol attachment may engage the actuator 10704, changing the state ofthe switch to decoupled power applied to the outlet 10146 by way of theswitch. As shown in FIG. 108, the switch 10702 is controllable by acontrol attachment 10802 to control the routing of power received fromthe power adapter back to the power adapter through the controlattachment. More particularly, the control attachment 10802, which maycomprise control and interface elements as described above in referenceto FIG. 103 for example, also comprises an actuator element 10804 thatis provided on the control attachment and configured to engage theactuator element 10704 when the control attachment is inserted into therecess 10106 as shown. That is, when the control attachment 10802 isinserted into the recess 10106, the actuator element 10804 engages theactuator 10704 (such as by pressing the actuator 10704 configured as abutton for example), causing the switch 10702 to open (i.e. prevent thetransmission of power from the power signal line 10124 to the signalline 10140) and therefore making the outlet 10146 a switched outletcontrollable by the power control circuit 10304 and the control circuit10306. While a switch 10702 is configured by way of example to have abutton as shown, it should be understood that other types of switchescould be used. As can be seen in the implementation of FIGS. 107 and108, the power adapter arrangement can be implemented with a dummycontrol attachment having no elements that are necessary for theoperation of the power adapter operating with 2 always on outlets, orwith a control attachment controlling the application of power to a loadcoupled to the outlet 10146.

The control of outlets and the arrangement of elements of a poweradapter could be implemented in different ways, as will be described inreference to FIGS. 109-112. Turning first to FIG. 109, a block diagramof a power adapter arrangement having a power adapter and a controlattachment configured to control two outlets is shown. Unlike thearrangement of the power adapter of FIGS. 107-108, the power adapter ofFIG. 109 may be implemented so that the power control circuit 10304controls both outlets 10136 and 10146. In addition to the contactelements 10154 and 10156 used for coupling signals to the power controlcircuit 10304, a contact element 10903 and a corresponding contactelement 10904 enable the power control circuit 10304 to control theapplication of power to the outlet 10136. That is, rather that havingthe outlet 10136 coupled to the power signal line 10124, the signal line10134 is coupled to the contact elements 10903 and 10904 to receivepower from the power control circuit, enabling the outlet 10136 to beoperated as a switched outlet. The outlets 10136 and 10146 could becontrolled independently or together.

According to the implementation of FIG. 110, a control attachment may beimplemented to have a signal interface circuit as shown. That is, someor all of the signal interface functions, which may include noisefiltering and voltage regulation as described above, may be implementedin the control attachment (i.e. in addition to or in place of the signalinterface 10108). For example, the control attachment 11002 of FIG. 110may include a signal interface circuit 11004 coupled to the contactelements 10154 and 10208 as shown to the receive the power signal, wherenoise filtering and/or voltage regulation can be performed in the signalinterface 11004 of the control attachment. It should be understood thatthe partitioning of elements, such as signal interface elements betweenthe power adapter and the control attachment may be determined byfactors such as cost factors associated with the power adapter (i.e.minimizing the complexity and cost of the power adapter to promote amore widespread installation of the power adapters), size factorsassociated with control attachments (i.e. space requirements forcircuits implemented in the control attachment), and otherconsiderations that may impact consumer adoption of certain poweradapter arrangements (e.g. including all of the signal interfaceelements are in the power adapter so that no circuit element is requiredin the control attachment).

According to the implementations of FIGS. 111 and 112, control circuitsprovided in both the power adapter and the control attachment to enableauthenticating the control attachment, where the power adapter having aswitch for controlling the application of power to an outlet is shown.As can be seen in FIG. 111, a contact element 11102 is provided forrouting signals from the control attachment to a control circuit 11104,an output of which is provided to a switch 11106 that is configured toreceive a power signal from the power control circuit 10304 and routethe power to the signal line 10140. The power control circuit 10304 andthe switch 11106 enable the power adapter arrangement to operate theoutlet 10146 as a switched outlet using the control attachment 11202, asshown in FIG. 112. The control circuit 10306 is coupled to the contactelement 11204 to enable the transfer of signals between the controlcircuit 10306 of the control attachment 11202 and the control circuit11104 of the power adapter 10102. According to some implementations, thecontrol circuit 11104 of the power adapter may communicate with thecontrol attachment to authenticate the control attachment as set forthabove. If the control attachment is not authenticated, the controlcircuit 11104 may open the switch 11106 to prevent power from beingapplied to the signal line 10140. However, if the control attachment isauthenticated, the switch may be closed, enabling the power controlcircuit 10304 to operate the outlet 10146 as a switched outlet.

While different features are shown in the different implementations ofFIGS. 101-112, it should be understood that the various features may beinterchanged between the different implementations. According to someimplementations, some of the operations of the control circuits 10306and 11104 in conjunction with other elements of the power adapter or thecontrol attachment are described in reference to FIG. 113.

Turning now to FIG. 113, a flow chart shows a method of implementing apower adapter arrangement having an outlet. More particularly, it isdetermined whether a control attachment is received by a power adapterat a block 11302. If not, the power adapter operates in a defaultcondition of a power adapter having no control attachment at a block11304. For example, the default condition could be that a switchedoutlet of the power adapter is in an always on state, as described abovein reference to FIGS. 107 and 108. Alternatively, the default conditionis that the switched outlet is disabled when a control attachment is notattached to the power adapter.

If a control attachment is received by the power adapter, it may then bedetermined whether the control attachment is a “dumb” control attachment(i.e. a control attachment having no circuits for controlling theapplication of power to a switched outlet, also known as a blankattachment) at a block 11306. If so, one or more of the outlets operatedas switched outlets may be operated as always on outlets at a block11308 until the control attachment is removed. If the control attachmentis removed at the block 11309, the power adapter operates according tothe default condition at the block 11304.

If the control attachment is not a dumb control attachment (i.e. thecontrol attachment comprises circuits for controlling the switching of aswitched outlet or any other circuits that may receive power from thepower adapter, such as a sensor or any other element of a user interfaceas described above), it may optionally be determined whether the controlattachment is authenticated to operate with the power adapter asdescribed above at a block 11310. It the control attachment is notauthenticated, the power adapter is operated according to the defaultcondition at the block 11304. If the control attachment isauthenticated, the control attachment is enabled to control the poweradapter at a block 11312, such as the application of power to a load, orcommunicate signals between the control attachment and the poweradapter. For example, the power adapter and control attachment could beoperated as described above in reference to FIGS. 111 and 112.

If the control attachment is not a dumb attachment and authenticated (ifnecessary), it may then be determined whether a signal is received froman interface of the control attachment at a block 11314. If not, thepower adapter arrangement maintains the state of power to the load at ablock 11316. If a signal is received, the state of the power to the loadmay be changed based upon the received signal, or any other type ofoperation or communication of signals may be performed based upon thereceived signal at a block 11318. The control of the application ofpower to a load may be performed by a control circuit of the controlattachment and or the control circuit of the power adapter using a powercontrol circuit having a relay or a TRIAC for example. The control ofthe application of power may be based upon any inputs received at a userinterface circuit of the control attachment as described above. Untilthe control attachment is removed, the control attachment continues tomonitor for received signals at the block 11314. If it is determinedthat the control attachment is removed at a block 11320, the poweradapter is operated in the default condition at the block 11304. Theflow chart of FIG. 113 may be implemented in one or more of the powercontrol circuit 10304 and the control circuit 10306 of the controlattachment or the control circuit 11104 of the power adapter (i.e. ifauthentication is required).

Turning now to FIGS. 114-125, examples of contact elements forimplementing a power adapter arrangement having a control attachmentconfigured to receive a power signal and route the power signal back tothe power adapter. Because a contact element carrying a high voltagepower signal is provided on the power adapter (to enable providing thepower signal to the power adapter), it is beneficial to increase thesafety of implementing a power adapter by implementing the contactelements as tamper resistant contact elements to prevent a user frominadvertently making contact with a high voltage contact (e.g. 120 voltsor some other voltage that may be dangerous) of the power adapter. Inaddition to being less accessible than the contact elements of an outletfor receiving a plug, the contact elements of the power adapterconfigured to receive corresponding contact elements of a controlattachment may be implemented as tamper resistant contact elements, suchas those that are currently implemented on the contact elements of anoutlet.

As shown in FIG. 114, a front view of a power adapter shows the recess10106 between the pair of outlets 10136 and 10146 adapted to receive acontrol attachment. More particularly, an electrical interface 11402 ona rear surface 11404 of the recess comprises a plurality of contactelements 11406, shown here by way of example as tamper resistant contactelements. The electrical interface 11402 may comprise the contactelements the contact elements 10150, 10152, 10154, 10156, and a contact11406. That is, the electrical interface 11402 may comprises anadditional contact element 11406 in the power adapter having outlets toaccommodate a control attachment that may have more contact elementsthan needed in a power adapter having an outlet, such as a controlattachment used in a power adapter having a switch which may alsorequire a 3-way switch terminal. The electrical interface 11402 could bein the recess of the power adapter of any of the embodiments of FIGS.101-112. While the electrical interface is shown by way of example onthe rear surface, it should be understood that the electrical interfacecould be implemented on any other surface of the recess, or distributedon different surfaces.

As shown in the implementation of FIG. 115, an additional electricalinterface 11502 having contact elements 11504 may be provided. Accordingto some implementations, the electrical interface 11502 may comprise alow power electrical interface (e.g. approximately 5 volts or less),which may be implemented as described above for example in FIGS. 1-44.For example, low voltage control signals may be used to communicatebetween a control circuit of the power adapter and a control circuit ofthe control attachment.

According to some implementations, low power control signals may becommunicated between the power adapter and the control attachment usingthe contact elements of the electrical interface 11404. That is,although tamper resistant contact elements may not be necessary for lowvoltage electrical interfaces, it may be beneficial to include a singleelectrical interface for both high voltage and low voltage signals.According to other implementations, low power communication signalscould be provided on the high voltage lines. For example, a highfrequency signal having a low voltage could be transmitted by way of thepower contact elements of the power adapter and the control attachment.That is, the power contact elements, in addition to transmitting a highvoltage power signal, could also function as a serial communicationinterface as described above to transmit communication signals betweenthe power adapter and the control attachment using a high frequencysignal. According to other implementations, multiple contact elements ofthe electrical interface 11402 of the power adapter could be used fortransmitting communication signals according to parallel communicationprotocols as described above. While the electrical interface 11402 isshown having physical contact elements, it should be understood that theelectrical interface 11402 could comprise any type of interface, such aswireless or optical interfaces.

Turning now to FIG. 116, a perspective view of a control attachmentaccording to one implementation is shown. The control attachment 10302comprises contact elements of one or more electrical interfacesextending from a rear surface of a body portion extending from a rearsurface to a front surface as shown, where user interface elements maybe positioned on the front surface of the control attachment. The bodyportion is implemented to fit within the recess of a power adapter. Moreparticularly, an electrical interface 11602 comprises a plurality ofcontact elements 11604-11612 comprising prongs adapted to be inserted tothe corresponding contact elements 10150-10156 and 11406 of the poweradapter as shown in FIG. 115. The contact elements 11604-11612preferably have a shape and dimension to enable the insertion into thecorresponding contact elements of the power adapter and to be able tocarry sufficient current to apply to a load. For example, the contactelements 11604-11612 could be similar to prongs of a plug that areadapted to be inserted into an outlet. The contact elements 11604-11612are preferably configured to have a shape and sufficient strength toseparate insulating components of a tamper resistance contact, as willbe described in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 117 and 118. Asecond electrical interface 11614 having contact elements 11616, whichis configured to connect to the electrical interface 11502 for example,may be implemented. Various edges of the rear wall, including the sideedges 11620 and 11622 and front and back edges 11624 and 11616, may beused to enable the control attachment to open a locked barrier, as willbe described in more detail in reference to FIGS. 120-125. While thecontact elements are shown on the rear surface as shown by way ofexample, it should be understood that the contact elements for routingpower can be positioned on any other surface of the body portion of thecontrol attachment other than the front surface that is exposed to auser and may comprise user interface elements. However, it should beunderstood that contact elements may positioned on the front surface,such as for a connector accessible by a user (e.g. a USB connector forcharging an external device such as a phone or a laptop or a connectorfor transmitting and receiving data).

Turning now to FIG. 117, a front view of an electrical interface havinginsulating elements between openings for receiving contact elements of acontrol attachment and contact elements of the power adapter is shown. Asafety contact block 11701, which may be implemented as a portion of theelectrical interface 11402, comprises a plurality of insulating elementsadapted to cover corresponding contact elements. According to someimplementations, pairs of insulating elements 11702-11710, which aremovable within the contact block 11701, may be located behind an outersurface 11712 having openings 11714, shown here by way of example ascircular openings to enable a contact element (e.g. a prong) to extendthrough the opening and separate the insulating element of the pair ofinsulating elements, as shown and described in reference to FIGS. 118and 119.

More particularly, FIGS. 118 and 119, which have the outer surface 11712removed to show the pairs of insulating elements, show the pairs ofinsulating elements in a closed state (i.e. FIG. 118 when prongs of acontrol attachment are not inserted) and an open state (i.e. FIG. 119when prongs of a control attachment are inserted). As shown in FIG. 118,each of the pairs of insulating elements 11702-11710 are movable (e.g.slidable) within rails 11802 and 11804 and between ends 11806 and 11808.Spring elements 11810 may be provided between the pairs of insulatingelements and between the first pair of insulating elements 11702 and theend 11806 and the last pair of insulating elements 11710 and the end11808. As shown in FIG. 119, where contact elements 11604-11612 areinserted into the corresponding pairs of insulators 11702-11710 to makecontact to contact elements of the power adapter, the springs arecompressed, but return the uncompressed state of FIG. 118 to cover thecontact elements of the power adapter when the control attachment isdetached from the power adapter.

FIGS. 120-125 show a barrier arrangement providing a tamper resistantfeature to prevent inadvertent contact with a contact element of thepower adapter. As shown in the implementation of FIGS. 120 and 121, apair of movable doors 12002 and 12004, which abut one another at aninterface 12006, may be opened as shown in FIG. 121. As will bedescribed in more detail in the sequence of FIGS. 122-125, the doors12002 and 12004 may be in a locked position when closed, and may beunlocked as the control attachment 10302 is inserted into the poweradapter.

As shown in FIG. 122, a latch element 12202 comprises a spring element,shown here by way of example as a leaf spring 12204 that extends to aflange 12206 which is movable within a recess 12208. Each of the movabledoors 12002 and 12004 comprise spring elements 12210 having a firstterminal portion 12212 and a second terminal portion 12214. As will bedescribed in reference to FIGS. 123-125, the movable doors 12002 and12004 may be forced open in response to the control attachment 10302being inserted into the recess, and return to the closed position asshown in FIG. 122 by the spring elements 12210 when the controlattachment is removed from the recess.

By the time that the control attachment 10302 reaches the doors as it isbeing inserted into the recess, the side edges 11620 and 11622 of thecontrol attachment cause the flange 12206 to be driven into the recess11208, enabling the doors 12002 and 12004 to begin to open. That is, theflange 12206, which is provided to enable a tamper resistant feature,will no longer block the doors from opening as a control attachment isbeing inserted into the recess as shown in FIG. 123. As the controlattachment 10302 continues to advance into the recess, the front andback edges 11624 and 11626 drive the doors 12002 and 12004 open as shownin FIG. 124. The control attachment is shown completely inserted intothe recess in FIG. 125.

It should be noted that the tamper resistant feature of FIGS. 122-125could be used alone or in addition to the tamper resistant feature orFIGS. 120-121. It should be noted that the tamper resistant featurescould be used in a power adapter comprising outlets or implemented as aswitch, as will be described in more detail below in reference to FIGS.127-143.

Turning now to FIG. 126, a diagram shows a power adapter arrangementhaving an outlet that is controllable using 2 wireless communicationprotocols. The arrangement of elements of a room in FIG. 101 comprisesan outlet 12602, such as an outlet having a control attachment asdescribed in FIGS. 90-100 for example or some other suitable outlet, ona wall 12604. The outlet 12602 is adapted to communicate with a firstwireless communication device 12606 (which may be a remote computerdevice such as a smart phone or a tablet for example) by way of a firstwireless communication protocol and with a second wireless communicationdevice 12610 (shown here by way of example as a wireless wall switch ona wall 12612) by way of a second wireless communication protocol 12614.

The outlet 12602 may be implemented having a control attachment having 2wireless communication devices such as described in reference to FIG.37, where the wireless communication circuit 3748 may be implemented toenable communication with and control one or more outlets (or other userinterface elements) of the control attachment. For example, the wirelesscommunication circuit 3748 of the control attachment may be implementedto communicate directly with a remote device, such as by using an RF ora Bluetooth connection, or by indirectly (e.g. through a base station)such as by using a WiFi or Z-wave connection. The second wirelesscommunication device, such as wireless communication device 3752, mayimplement a second communication protocol to enable a wirelesscommunication link with a corresponding wireless communication device12610. For example, the wireless communication protocol 12614 mayprovide a direct wireless communication link, such as an RFcommunication link or a Bluetooth communication link, or an indirectwireless communication link, such as a WiFi or Z-Wave communicationlink.

Such an arrangement not only provides convenience to a home owner byenabling multiple devices to control an outlet, but may also reduce thecost to a home builder by reducing the wiring requirements. For example,when an outlet is implemented as a switched outlet (i.e. one of theoutlets of the switched outlet can be controlled by a switch thatcontrols the application of power to a load plugged in to the outlet),it is necessary to provide wires from the switch (such as at thelocation of the wireless communication device 12610) to the outlet12602. However, by providing a wireless communication device 12610, itis not necessary to provide the conduit and junction box required towire a switch at the location of the wireless communication device tothe outlet 12602. While wireless control of an outlet from a portableremote device (such as a smart phone or tablet) is beneficial,homeowners may also appreciate the convenience of having a wall switchto easily control a switched outlet. Therefore, with the implementationof the outlet 12602 having a wireless communication link between thewireless communication device 12610 and the outlet 12602, the cost ofimplementing the outlet 12602 can be reduced while still having theconvenience of a remote switch.

As with power adapters having outlets that are adapted to receivecontrol attachments configured to control the application of power to aswitched outlet as described above in reference to FIGS. 90-126, poweradapters having a switch for controlling the application of powerapplied to a load may also be configured to receive a control attachmentto control the application of power to the load, as will be describedbelow in reference to FIGS. 127-143.

Turning first to FIG. 127, a block diagram of a power adapter having acontrol switch (such as a toggle switch for toggling power applied to aload) and a recess for receiving a control attachment is shown. A poweradapter 12702 comprises a body portion 12703 having a recess 12704 forreceiving a control attachment for receiving power from the load androuting the power back to the power adapter to provide power to theload. The power adapter 12702 comprises a signal interface 12708 adaptedto be coupled to one or more contact elements of a power adapter, suchas contact elements on an external surface of the power adapter as willbe described in more detail below, where the signal interface may beimplemented to provide signal processing, such as voltage regulation andnoise filtering as described above.

The power adapter 12702 also comprises a switch 12710 that is accessibleby a user of the power adapter on an outer surface of the power adapterwhen the power adapter is installed in a junction box. The switch 12710may comprise a toggle switch for switching power applied to the load.The switch 12710 comprises a switch actuator 12712 coupled to a switchelement 12714, where the switch element is adapted to route power fromthe power adapter to the control attachment by way of contacts of thepower adapter and the control attachment. More particularly, a firstterminal 12716 of the switch 12710 is coupled to a power signal line ofthe power adapter and a second terminal 12718 of the switch 12710 iscoupled to a contact element of the power adapter (such as a contactelement in the recess 12704) that is configured to route a power signalto the control attachment.

The power adapter 12702 comprises a plurality of inputs external to thepower adapter, which may be contact elements that are not exposed whenthe power adapter is attached to a junction box for example, and adaptedto be coupled to power signals. For example, the power adapter 12702 maycomprise a power input 12730, a ground input 12732, and a neutral input12734. Signals may be routed on signal lines including a power signalline 12740, a ground signal line 12742, a neutral signal line 12744, anda load signal line 12746. The power signal line 12740 may be coupled toa contact element 12750, the ground signal line 12742 may be coupled toa contact element 12752, the neutral signal line 12744 may be coupled toa contact element 12754, and a load signal line 12746 may be coupled toa contact element 12756. A contact element 12758 is coupled to theterminal 12718 to receive the power signal by way of the power signalline 12740 and the switch 12710. The switch 12710 and the arrangement ofcontact elements enables the power signal to be routed to the load line12746 using a control attachment, as will be described in reference toFIGS. 128-130.

As shown in FIG. 128, a dummy control attachment 12802 may be used tocouple the contact element 12756 to the contact element 12758.Therefore, the power adapter arrangement 12800 of FIG. 128 operates as asimple toggle switch, where the switching element 12714 and actuatorelement 12712 could implement a conventional paddle-type toggle switchfor example. That is, when the switch element 12714 is closed, powerfrom the power line 12740 is provided by way of the switch element 12714to the load line 12746 through the contact element 12804 (e.g. ajumper). When the switch element 12714 is open, power is not provided tothe load. As can be seen, a low cost power adapter comprising a switchcan be implemented with a simple control attachment having only acontact element 12804. As will be described in more detail below inreference to FIGS. 129 and 130, switches could be provided in the poweradapter to enable the power adapter to be implemented with a controlattachment (or even without a control attachment), similar to theimplementations as described above in reference to FIGS. 107 and 108 fora power adapter having an outlet.

Turning now to FIGS. 129 and 130, a block diagram of a power adapterhaving a control switch (such as a toggle switch) and enable switchesadapted to be coupled to actuator elements of a control attachment isshown. Rather than relying on an element of the control attachment, suchas a jumper of the control attachment as described above in reference toFIG. 128, the power adapter 12901, including a body portion having arecess 12902 for receiving a control attachment, comprises one or moreswitches (which may be considered enable switches) for enabling the useof the power adapter by controlling the routing of a power signalreceived by the control switch in response to an actuation signal fromthe control attachment, such as by insertion of the control attachmentinto the recess of the power adapter. More particularly, a first switch12903 comprises a switch element 12904 controlling a signal path asshown coupled between the terminal 12936 of the control switch and theload line 12756. The switch 12903 comprises an actuator 12906 that isaccessible on a surface of the recess 12902. The power adapter alsocomprises a second switch 12910 having a switch element 12912controlling a signal path as shown coupled to the terminal 12938 of thecontrol switch 12930. The switch 12910 also comprises an actuator 12914that is accessible on a surface of the recess 12902. In addition to thecontact element 12758, a contact element 12916 may be coupled to aterminal of the switch 12930. As will be described in reference to FIG.130, the actuators 12906 and 12914 of a control attachment may beengaged by a corresponding one or more actuator elements of the controlattachment to change the state of the switches. The operation of theswitches 12903 and 12910 functioning as enable switches and the switch12930 functioning as a control switch (i.e. toggle switch) will bedescribed in more detail below.

In addition to the inputs 12730-12736, the signal lines 12740-12746 andthe contact elements 12750-12756, the power adapter may comprise aninput 12922 for receiving a 3-way signal, which may be a contact elementon the power adapter for example. A 3-way signal received at the input12922 is coupled by way of a signal line 12924 to a contact element12926.

In operation, the control switch 12930, which may function as a toggleswitch as described above in reference to FIG. 127, comprises a3-terminal switch that routes power to one of two outputs. That is,unlike the toggle switch 12710, which provides an open circuit orprovides a closed circuit to route a power signal from an input to anoutput of the toggle switch, the control switch 12930 is adapted toroute power to one of two outputs, and may be implemented as a part of a3-way circuit. The control switch 12930 comprises a switch element 12934having a first terminal 12936 coupled to the switch 12903 and thecontact element 12758 as shown. The switch 12930 also comprises aterminal 12938 coupled to the switch 12910 and the contact element 12916as shown. The switch 12930 also comprises a power terminal 12940 coupledto the power line 12740, where the switch 12930 is configured to switchthe application of power between the terminal 12936 and 12938 to providethe power to contact elements of the power adapter.

The switches 12903 and 12910 enable the power signal to be provided tothe load directly or by way of the control attachment. According to oneimplementation, the switches 12903 and 12910 may be implemented in aclosed state (commonly referred to as normally closed or NC), where thatapplication of power to the load is based upon a change of state of theswitch 12930. As can be seen in FIG. 129, if the switches 12903 and12910 are closed, the power signal on the power line 12740 will becoupled to either the load line 12745 (and therefore the load terminal12736) or the 3-way switch line (and therefore the 3-way switch terminal12922). If the power adapter is not implemented in a 3-way connection,the switch 12930 will connect the power signal to or disconnect thepower signal from the load signal line 12746 in response to a togglingof the actuator element 12932 of the switch 12930. The operation of thepower adapter 12901 implemented in a 3-way connection will be describedin more detail in reference to FIG. 135.

The switches can be retained in a closed state even when a dummy controlattachment is inserted. That is, the dummy control attachment will notengage the actuator elements 12906 and 12914 (e.g. a recess could beprovided in the dummy control attachment so that the actuator elements12906 and 12914 are not depressed when the control attachment isinserted into the recess 12902). However, the switches 12903 and 12910can be changed to an open state if a control attachment adapted tocontrol the application of power to the load is inserted into the recess12902. For example, as shown in FIG. 130 having the control attachment13001 inserted in the recess 12902, an actuator element 13002, such as aprong or other projection, of the control attachment will engage theactuator element 12906, causing the switch element 12904 to change stateto an open state. Similarly, an actuator element 13004 of the controlattachment will engage the actuator element 12914, causing the switchelement 12912 to change state to an open state.

If the switches 12903 and 12910 are open (i.e. preventing a routing ofthe power signal from the switch 12930 to one of the signal lines 12746or 12924), the power signal routed by the switch 12934 can be routed toeither the contact element 12916 or the contact element 12758, which canbe detected as a toggling of the switch 12930 by the control circuit10306. A signal indicating the toggling of the switch 12930 can beprovided from the control circuit 10306 to the power control circuit10304 by way of the signal line 10307.

The power control circuit 10304 is also coupled to the 3-way signal line12924, and can detect a change in the signal on the 3-way terminal, andtherefore to determine whether to change the application of power to theload terminal 12736 or the 3-way terminal 12922 based upon a toggling ofthe switch 12930. For example, if a toggle of the switch 12930 isdetected, the power control circuit 10304 will change the routing of thepower signal from the power signal line 12740 to the load signal line12646 (if the power is currently routed to the 3-way signal line) orchange the routing of the power signal to the 3-way line (if the poweris currently routed to the load signal line) as described in referenceto FIG. 135 and the flow chart of FIG. 143.

If the power adapter is not implemented in a 3-way circuit connection,the power control will toggle the power on the power signal line 12740to the load signal line 12746, subject to any toggle signal generated bythe interface circuit 10308. That is, the control circuit 10306 maymonitor both the switch 12930 and the interface circuit 10308. Theinterface circuit 10308 is adapted to communicate with the controlcircuit 10306 by way of a signal line 10309 as described above inreference to FIG. 103, enabling the control circuit 10306 to control thepower control circuit 10304 to change the state of the power applied tothe load in response to any toggling signal.

Turning now to FIG. 131, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangement13100 having a switch and user interface elements is shown. As shown inFIG. 131, additional user interface elements 13102 and 13104, which maybe actuator elements for example, may be implemented to enable a user toprovide input to or control the control attachment. As will be describedin more detail below, the user interface elements 13102 and 13104 maycomprise dimming control actuators for example. The actuator elements13102 and 13104 may be coupled to an electrical interface 13106 havingcorresponding contact elements 13108 and 13110.

As shown in FIG. 132, the power adapter arrangement 13200 having thepower adapter of FIG. 131 and a control attachment 13201 is configuredto align the electrical interface 13106 with a corresponding electricalinterface 13202 having contact elements 13204 and 13206 (adapted to makean electrical connection with contact elements 13108 and 13110respectively). The control circuit 10306 is adapted to receive signalsgenerated by the user interface elements 13102 and 13104, and maycontrol the application of power to a load based upon signals generatedby the user interface elements 13102 and 13104.

Turning now to FIG. 133, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangementhaving the power adapter of FIG. 131 adapted to receive a removable userinterface module and a control attachment is shown. A user interfacemodule 13302, which comprises a user interface similar to the userinterface as shown in FIGS. 131 and 132, may also comprise an electricalinterface enabling signals associated with the switch 12730 to be routedto the power adapter when the user interface module 13302 inserted intoanother recess of the power adapter (as will be described in more detailin reference to FIG. 134). More particularly, as shown in FIG. 134, anelectrical interface 13304 associated with the body portion 12905 of thepower adapter comprises a plurality of contact elements configured tomake an electrical contact with corresponding contact elements of theuser interface module 13302. A contact element 13306 (coupled to thepower signal line 12740) is coupled to a contact element 13307 forproviding the power signal to the switch 12730. A contact element 13308(coupled to the switch 12710) is coupled to a contact element 13309 (forreceiving a signal from the switch 12930). A contact element 13310(coupled to the switch 12903) is coupled to a contact element 13311(also for receiving a signal from the switch 12730).

According to some implementations, the user interface module 13302 maybe configured to be attached and detached to the power adapter body by auser of the power adapter, enabling a user to select a user interfacemodule based upon functionality and/or appearance. According to otherimplementations, the user interface module 13302 may be configured to beattached to the power adapter body by a manufacturer of the poweradapter, providing flexibility in the manufacturing of the poweradapter. That is, a manufacturer may insert one type of user interfacemodule for one customer and a second type of user interface module for asecond customer, where the user interface module may have the samefunctionality, but different appearance to differential power adapterproducts for different customers. According to other implementations,the manufacturer may be able to manufacture different power adaptershaving different functionality. While the user interface module may beselected by a user for a particular customer, it may be attached to thepower adapter in a way that is not removable by the user.

It should be noted that the same control attachments may be used forboth the power adapters having outlets as described in reference toFIGS. 101-125 and the power adapters having switches as described inreference to FIGS. 127-131. According to some implementations, poweradapters having outlets as described above in reference to FIGS. 101-112for example and power adapters having switches as described in referenceto FIGS. 127-132 could be implemented having the same electricalinterfaces (and particularly electrical interfaces having female contactelements adapted to receive male contact elements).

While some of the contact elements of a control attachment may be usedfor a power adapter having a switch (e.g. a contact element for a 3-wayswitch input), a power adapter having an outlet may be implemented witha contact element for a 3-way switch input (even if it is not used) toenable a control attachment having a 3-way switch contact element to beused in both types of power adapters. That is, the power adapter havingan outlet may be configured with a female contact element (which may notbe used) to receive a male contact element of a control attachmentadapted to be used with a power adapter having a switch. While the malecontact element may be used with the power adapter having a switch, thefemale contact element of the power adapter having an outlet may not beconnected to any circuit of the power adapter and therefore may ignorethe signal on the male contact element. However, by providing the femalecontact element (unused but present to receive the male contactelement), the same control attachment may be used for both poweradapters having outlets and power adapters having switches.

Specific examples of configurations of a power adapter and a controlcircuit are shown in FIGS. 134-142. Turning now to FIG. 134, aperspective view of power adapter arrangement 13400 adapted to receive auser interface module (which may be removable or may be fixed during amanufacturing process) and a control attachment is shown. The poweradapter arrangement 13400 comprises a plurality of contact elements(such as contact elements 12730-12736 and 12922) on a surface of thepower adapter 13402, and flanges 13406 enabling the power adapter to beattached to a junction box and receive a wall plate as described above.The contact elements 12730-12736 and 12922 of the electrical interface13404 are on an external surface of the power adapter, but may beconfigured so that they are not exposed when the power adapter ispositioned within a junction box. In addition to the recess andelectrical interface arrangement for receiving a control attachment13001 as described above, the power adapter may comprise a second recess13410 for receiving the user interface module 13302. The user interfacemodule 13302 may comprise an electrical interface 13412 (shown here byway of example as comprising male contact elements) and an electricalinterface 13414, both of which are shown in dashed lines as being on arear surface to make electrical contact with corresponding electricalinterfaces of the power adapter. The recess 13410 may comprise anelectrical interface 13416 (shown here by way of example as electricalinterface similar to electrical interface 11402 for routing high voltagesignal as described above) and an electrical interface 13418 (shown hereby way of example as an electrical interface for low power signals, suchas electrical interface 11502 as described above). While the userinterface module 13302 is shown by way of example as being a removablecontrol attachment, it should be understood that the user interfacemodule 13302 could be a fixed control attachment or manufactured as apart of the power adapter (i.e. it is not removable or implemented in amodular arrangement in the manufacturing process). The electricalinterfaces of the power adapter that are in the recess are not exposedwhen a user interface module and a control attachment are inserted intothe recess.

Turning now to FIG. 135, a block diagram having 2 power adapterarrangements configured in a 3-way switching arrangement to control aload is shown. The arrangement of 3-way switches 13502 and 13504 iswired to control load 13606. Any of the power adapters adapted toprovide 3-way switching as set forth above (e.g. FIGS. 129-133) could beimplemented as the 3-way switches 13502 and 13504. As shown in FIG. 135,the power provided to the line input is coupled to be routed by way ofthe load outputs of both switches 13502 and 13504 and the line terminalof the switch 13504 to the load 13606. If either of the 3-way switchesis toggled (e.g. the line terminal is coupled to the 3-way terminal),the power signal will no longer be routed to the load. However, ifeither of the 3-way terminals is then toggled again, power will again beprovided to the load. For example, if the switch 13502 is again toggled,the 3-way switching arrangement will return to the previous state asshown in FIG. 135. However, if the switch 13504 is toggled (after theswitch 13502 had been toggled), power will be provided to the load byway of the 3-way terminals of the switches 13502 and 13504 (i.e. bothswitches 13502 and 13504 will be in the opposite state compared to thestate of the switches as shown in FIG. 135).

Various arrangements of a power adapter arrangement comprising a powerswitch for controlling the application of power to a load and a controlattachment are shown. In addition to other user interface elements, theimplementations of a power adapter arrangement shown in FIGS. 136-142provide examples of enabling dimming control and other user interfacecontrol for the switch. Turning first to FIG. 136, a front view of apower adapter arrangement having a toggle element and a dimmer controlelement associated with the power adapter is shown. As shown in FIG.136, a power adapter arrangement 13602 comprises flanges 13604 asdescribed above for attaching a power adapter to a junction box and acontrol attachment. The power adapter has a toggle element 13606, shownhere by way of example as a paddle-type toggle switch. While a singletoggle element is shown, a toggle element having separate on and offtoggle elements could be implemented as shown in FIGS. 56-58 forexample.

The power adapter arrangement also comprises a control attachment 13608.While the control attachment is shown by way of example below the toggleelement, it should be understood that the toggle element and the controlattachment could be arranged differently. The control attachment 13608may include one or more user interface elements 13607, which may be anyuser interface element as described above in reference to a controlattachment, such as a control button (e.g. controlling an on and offtoggling of the power to the load), a control actuator, a connector(e.g. a USB connector), a sensor (including any type of sensor asdescribed above), a speaker, a microphone, a status element (e.g. anLED), a display, or any combination of user interface elements asdescribed above.

According to the implementation of FIG. 136, a dimmer control elementcould be implemented on a front surface of the body portion of the poweradapter, and may comprises a guide 13610 adapted to receive a movabledimmer control element 13612. According to other implementations, thedimmer control element implemented in any of the power adapterarrangements of FIGS. 136-142 may comprise separate up and down buttonsor a capacitive coupling interface, where the level of dimming may beprovided on a level indicator 13614, which may comprise a series of LEDsindicating a dimming level for example.

Turning now to FIG. 137, a front view of a power adapter arrangementhaving a toggle element associated with the power adapter 13702 and adimmer control element associated with a control attachment is shown.According to the implementation of FIG. 137, the control attachment13704 comprises a dimmer control element, shown here by way of exampleas a guide 13706 and a movable dimmer control element 13708. As shown inthe implementation of FIG. 138, the guide 13706 and dimmer controlelement 13708 is positioned horizontally to provide a greater range ofmovement of the dimmer control element.

Turning now to FIG. 139, a front view of another power adapterarrangement having a toggle element associated with the power adapterand a capacitive dimmer control element 13902 having a dimming leveldisplay 13904 having lighting elements 13906, such as LEDs associatedwith a control attachment, is shown. The capacitive dimmer controlelement 13902 will detect the movement of a finger along the dimmercontrol element to change the dimming level.

Turning now to FIG. 140, a front view of another power adapterarrangement having a toggle element and a dimmer control elementassociated with the power adapter is shown. According to theimplementation of FIG. 140, the power adapter 14002 comprises apush-type toggle element 14004. The toggle element 14004 may have astatus indicator 14006 to provide a status of power to the load or astatus associated with a function of the control attachment 14012, suchas a status of a wireless connection to the control attachment. Thepower adapter also comprises control elements 14008 and 14010, shownhere by way of example as up and down control elements. According tosome implementations, the control elements 14008 and 14010 may beproviding dimming control.

According to the implementation of the power adapter arrangement of FIG.141, a power adapter 14102 includes the toggle switch 14004 and acontrol attachment 14104 having control elements 14106 and 14108 (whichmay be implemented as described above in reference to FIG. 140 forproviding dimming control). By implementing the control elements 14106and 14108 on the control attachment, it is possible to reduce the costand complexity of the power adapter, and provide flexibility in thetypes and function of user interface elements used for the power adapterarrangement. While the control elements 14106 and 14108 may be used fordimming control, they may also be used for other control, such as audiocontrol for a speaker of a control attachment operating as a smartspeaker or control of sensor sensitivity for a control attachment havinga sensor.

Turning now to 142, a front view of a power adapter arrangement having amulti-element control switch associated with the power adapter is shown.According to the implementation of FIG. 142, a power adapter 14202 isadapted to receive a control attachment 14204. The power adaptercomprises a multi-element control switch 14206 having a toggle element14208 (which may comprise a status indicator 14210, such as an LED). Thetoggle element may comprise a plurality of selection control elements,including an up key 14212, a right key 14214, a down key 14216, and aleft key 14218. The control attachment 14204 may comprise a display14220, where the multi-element interface may enable navigating through amenu for example, or performing other control functions associated withthe control attachment. FIGS. 136-142 could be implemented as shown inFIGS. 128-134 above. While the examples of FIGS. 136-142 show a controlattachment that is removable, it should be understood that the examplesof FIGS. 136-142 could be implemented with a user interface module thatis removable, such as the user interface module 13302 as described abovein reference to FIGS. 133 and 134 for example.

Turning now to FIG. 143, a block diagram of a power adapter arrangementhaving a power adapter configured to authenticate a control attachmentis shown. That is, the control attachment can be authenticated by thepower adapter in a similar manner as described above in reference to apower adapter having an outlet. More particularly, a control circuit14302 in the power adapter is configured to control the application ofpower to a load based upon whether a control attachment isauthenticated. The control attachment comprises a signal line 14304configured to route control signals necessary for the power adapter toauthenticate the control attachment, where the control signals may berouted through contact elements 14306 and 14308 as shown. The controlcircuit 14302 is configured to control a switch 14310 that is adapted tocontrol the power to the load from the power control circuit and aswitch 14312 that is adapted to control power to the 3-way terminal asshown. That is, the application of power to the load may be controlledby the switch 12930, but the control circuit may block the applicationof power through the control attachment using the switches 14310 or14312. The switches 14310 and 14312 may be a relay for example, whichmay be open if the control attachment is not authenticated or closed ifthe control attachment is authenticated. The switches 14310 and 14312may be placed is other locations to control the application of power toa load, or additional switches may be employed to control theapplication of power to a load by way of the load terminal or 3-wayterminal.

Turning now to FIG. 144, a flow chart shows a method of implementing apower adapter arrangement having a switch and a control attachment. Moreparticularly, it is determined whether a control attachment is receivedby a power adapter at a block 14402. If not, the power adapter operatesin a default condition of a power adapter having no control attachmentat a block 14404. For example, the default condition could be that aswitch of the power adapter may be used to control the application ofpower to a load, such as using the power adapters as described above inreference to FIGS. 127-142. Alternatively, the default condition is thatthe switch of the power adapter does not function when a controlattachment is not attached to the power adapter.

If a control attachment is received by the power adapter, it may then bedetermined whether the control attachment is a “dumb” control attachment(i.e. a control attachment having no circuits for controlling theapplication of power to a load, also known as a blank attachment) at ablock 14406. If so, the power adapter arrangement is operated as aconventional switch, such as a conventional toggle switch, at a block14408 until the control attachment is removed. If the control attachmentis removed at the block 14409, the power adapter operates according tothe default condition at the block 14404.

If the control attachment is not a dumb control attachment (i.e. thecontrol attachment comprises circuits for controlling the switching ofpower applied to a load or any other circuits that may receive powerfrom the power adapter, such as a sensor or any other element of a userinterface as described above), it may optionally be determined whetherthe control attachment is authenticated to operate with the poweradapter as described above at a block 14410. If the control attachmentis not authenticated, the power adapter may be operated according to thedefault condition at the block 14404. If the control attachment isauthenticated, the control attachment is enabled to control the poweradapter at a block 14412, such as the application of power to a load, orcommunicate signals between the control attachment and the poweradapter. For example, the power adapter and control attachment could beoperated as described above in reference to FIGS. 127-133.

If the control attachment is not a dumb control attachment andauthenticated (if necessary), it may then be determined whether a signalis received from an interface of the control attachment at a block14414. If not, the power adapter arrangement maintains the state ofpower to the load at a block 14416. If a signal is received, the stateof the power to the load may be changed based upon the received signal,or any other type of operation or communication of signals may beperformed based upon the received signal at a block 14418. The controlof the application of power to a load may be performed by a controlcircuit of the control attachment and or the control circuit of thepower adapter using a power control circuit having a relay or a TRIACfor example. The control of the application of power may be based uponany inputs received at a user interface circuit of the controlattachment (e.g. a user interface circuit associated with the interfacecircuit 10308, such as where a signal from the user interface circuit isprovided to the control circuit using any element of the user interfacecircuit 10308 as described above. Until the control attachment isremoved, the control attachment continues to monitor for receivedsignals at the block 14414. If it is determined that the controlattachment is removed at a block 14420, the power adapter is operated inthe default condition at the block 14404. The flow chart of FIG. 144 mayalso be implemented in one or more of the power control circuit 10304and the control circuit 10306 of the control attachment or the controlcircuit 11104 of the power adapter (i.e. if authentication is required).

Turning now to FIG. 145, a flow chart shows a method of implementing apower adapter configured to receive a control attachment. A method ofconfiguring a power adapter to provide power to a load is described. Themethod may comprise configuring a first contact element of a firstplurality of contact elements to receive power and a second contactelement adapted to be coupled to a load at a block 14502. A surfaceadapted to receive a control attachment may be provided at a block14504, wherein the surface comprises a second plurality of contactelements. A third contact element of the second plurality of contactelements may be configured to receive power from the first contactelement of the first plurality of contact elements at a block 14506. Afourth contact element of the second plurality of contact elements maybe configured to receive power from the control attachment at a block14508.

According to other implementations, power may be applied to the load byway of the second contact element of the first plurality of contactelements. For example, a surface may comprise providing a secondplurality of contact elements comprises providing female contactelements adapted to receive corresponding male contact elements of thecontrol attachment. The method may further comprise receiving a controlattachment having a third plurality of contact elements, wherein thethird plurality of contact elements is coupled to the second pluralityof contact elements on the surface of the power adapter. The controlattachment comprises an outlet adapted to receive power by way of thethird plurality of contact elements, or may comprise a switch that isaccessible on an outer surface of the control attachment for controllingthe application of power to a load.

Turning now to FIG. 146, a flow chart shows a method of configuring acontrol attachment adapted to receive power from a power adapter. Amethod of controlling a power adapter to provide power to a load isdescribed. A first plurality of contact elements may be configured on anouter surface of the power adapter, the first plurality of contactelements may comprise a first contact element configured to receivepower at a block 14602. A recess comprising a second plurality ofcontact elements and adapted to receive a control attachment may beprovided at a block 14604. A second contact element of the secondplurality of contact elements may be configured to receive power by wayof the first contact element of the first plurality of contact elementsat a block 14606. A third contact element of the second plurality ofcontact elements configured to receive power by way of the controlattachment may be provided at a block 14608.

Configuring a second plurality of contact elements of the power adaptermay comprise configuring female contact elements adapted to receivecorresponding male contact elements of the control attachment. A switchon the power adapter may also be provided for controlling theapplication of power to a load. A switched outlet may also be providedfor controlling the application of power to a load. A control attachmenthaving a third plurality of contact elements coupled to the secondplurality of contact elements of the power adapter may also be receivedby the power adapter. The application of power to a load may becontrolled in response to signals received by a control attachment.

While the specification includes claims defining the features of one ormore implementations of the invention that are regarded as novel, it isbelieved that the circuits and methods will be better understood from aconsideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. Whilevarious circuits and methods are disclosed, it is to be understood thatthe circuits and methods are merely exemplary of the inventivearrangements, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed within thisspecification are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements invirtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms andphrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather toprovide an understandable description of the circuits and methods.

It can therefore be appreciated that new circuits for, systems for andmethods of implementing power adapters have been described. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous alternatives andequivalents will be seen to exist that incorporate the disclosedinvention. As a result, the invention is not to be limited by theforegoing embodiments, but only by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An in-wall power adapter configured to providepower to a load, the in-wall power adapter comprising: a first pluralityof contact elements comprising a first contact element adapted toreceive a power signal and a second contact element adapted to becoupled to a load; a switch having an actuator element and a firstterminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled toreceive the power signal and the second terminal is coupled to providethe power signal to a third contact element of a second plurality ofcontact elements; and a surface adapted to receive a control attachmentand comprising the second plurality of contact elements; wherein afourth contact element of the second plurality of contact elements isconfigured to receive the power signal by way the second terminal of theswitch and the third contact element of the second plurality of contactelements; and wherein the power signal is applied to a load by way ofthe second contact element of the first plurality of contact elements.2. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1, wherein the second plurality ofcontact elements of the in-wall power adapter comprises female contactelements adapted to receive corresponding male contact elements of thecontrol attachment.
 3. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1, furthercomprising the control attachment having a third plurality of contactelements coupled to the second plurality of contact elements on thesurface of the in-wall power adapter.
 4. The in-wall power adapter ofclaim 1, wherein the control attachment comprises an outlet adapted toreceive the power signal by way of the first contact element.
 5. Thein-wall power adapter of claim 1, wherein the control attachmentcomprises a transformer coupled to receive the power signal and adaptedto generate a low voltage signal.
 6. The in-wall power adapter of claim1, wherein the switch further comprises a third terminal configured toreceive the power signal to be applied to a load by way of the controlattachment.
 7. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1, wherein the controlattachment may be attached to and detached from the in-wall poweradapter through an opening of a wall plate attached to the in-wall poweradapter.
 8. An in-wall power adapter configured to provide power to aload, the in-wall power adapter comprising: a first plurality of contactelements exposed on an outer surface of the in-wall power adapter, thefirst plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact elementconfigured to receive a first power signal and a second contact element;a switch having an actuator element and a first terminal and a secondterminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled to receive the firstpower signal and the second terminal is coupled to provide a secondpower signal to a third contact element; a recess comprising a secondplurality of contact elements having the third contact element andadapted to receive a control attachment; wherein a fourth contactelement of the second plurality of contact elements is configured toreceive the second power signal from the second terminal of the switchand the third contact element of the second plurality of contactelements to provide the second power signal to the second contactelement; and wherein the second power signal is applied to a load by wayof the second contact element of the first plurality of contactelements.
 9. The in-wall power adapter of claim 8, wherein the secondplurality of contact elements of the in-wall power adapter comprisesfemale contact elements adapted to receive corresponding male contactelements of the control attachment.
 10. The in-wall power adapter ofclaim 8, further comprising the control attachment having a thirdplurality of contact elements coupled to the second plurality of contactelements in the recess of the in-wall power adapter.
 11. The in-wallpower adapter of claim 8, wherein the switch further comprises a thirdterminal configured to receive the second power signal to be applied toa load by way of the control attachment.
 12. The in-wall power adapterof claim 8, wherein the control attachment comprises a transformercoupled to receive the first power signal and adapted to generate a lowvoltage signal.
 13. The in-wall power adapter of claim 8, wherein thecontrol attachment comprises a wireless control circuit configured toreceive control signals for controlling an application of the firstpower signal to a load.
 14. The in-wall power adapter of claim 8,wherein the control attachment may be attached to and detached from thein-wall power adapter through a wall plate opening.
 15. A method ofconfiguring an in-wall power adapter to provide power to a load, themethod comprising: configuring a first contact element of a firstplurality of contact elements to receive a power signal; configuring asecond contact element of the first plurality of contact elements to becoupled to a load; providing a surface adapted to receive a controlattachment, wherein the surface comprises a second plurality of contactelements; providing a switch having an actuator element and a firstterminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is coupled toreceive the power signal; configuring a third contact element of thesecond plurality of contact elements to receive the power signal fromthe second terminal of the switch; and configuring a fourth contactelement of the second plurality of contact elements to receive the powersignal by way of the third contact element and provide the power signalto the second contact element.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising applying the power signal to a load by way of the secondcontact element of the first plurality of contact elements.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein providing a surface comprising a secondplurality of contact elements comprises providing female contactelements adapted to receive corresponding male contact elements of thecontrol attachment.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprisingreceiving the control attachment having a third plurality of contactelements, wherein the third plurality of contact elements is coupled tothe second plurality of contact elements on the surface of the in-wallpower adapter.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising a fifthcontact element of the second plurality of contact elements configuredto receive the power signal from a third terminal of the switch.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising a sixth contact element of thesecond plurality of contact elements configured to receive to receivethe power signal from the fifth contact element.